the favouring of lighter skin over darker skin which leads to discrimination

the idea that people can be ranked in society by their power and status

refers to someone who was born without their parents being married; it is not a term we use very often today

a person who is viewed as special or better than others

'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense

English

In 'Small Island', pupils explore the ways in which transferring Levy's novel onto the stage enables both the playwright and the director to powerfully evoke its ideas about race, identity and belonging. In 'Leave Taking', pupils build on their learning about the Windrush Generation to explore the cultural and generational conflicts, that can arise as a result of migration. 

In 'The Tempest', pupils examine the roles of Caliban and Ariel and how they are treated as outsiders, questioning who has a rightful claim to the island. In 'Small Island', pupils look at the play in the context of the Windrush generation and through the lens of key themes, including identity and belonging.  

In this unit, pupils explore the playtext adaptation of Andrea Levy's novel 'Small Island'. They first explore the transition from novel to stage, before reading the playtext in full and exploring key scenes in detail. They then plan and write an essay on the theme of 'hope' in the text.

'Small Island'

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

From 'Small Island' complete this quote: "This skin is a {{}} life".

The belief in the superiority of certain races over others.

Discrimination based on skin color, favoring lighter skin over darker skin.

The division of society based on wealth and education.

The exclusion of individuals from a group or society.

To provide her with better life opportunities.

In 'Small Island', why is Hortense sent to live with her father's wealthy family?

In 'Small Island', what connotations does the description "warm honey" carry in the context of Little Hortense and colourism?

What historical factor contributed to the development of colourism?

It emphasises the idea of darkness and obscurity.

 It reinforces the colonial ideals of superiority associated with lighter skin.

It represents the concept of gender hierarchy.

 It highlights the importance of education in societal hierarchies.

In 'Small Island', what is the significance of the repetition of the word "golden" in the text?

In 'Small Island', what is the name of the teacher we are introduced to in Act 1 Scene 1?

Characters preparing for a hurricane in Jamaica.

What does the Pathé-style news footage in the opening of 'Small Island' depict?

It is the year the character Hortense is born.

It signifies a strong hurricane in Jamaica.

In 'Small Island', why is the date "Summer. 1939" significant in the context of the play?

It distances the audience from the character.

In 'Small Island', what effect does the direct address have when Hortense looks at the audience and speaks conspiratorially?

A golden life connoting wealth and success.

In 'Small Island', according to Miss Jewel, what kind of life does she describe for Hortense's future?

Edmundson wants to reveal that Mrs. Ryder is the true villain of the play.

Edmundson uses the character to challenge dominant historical narratives.

Edmundson wants to ensure that Mrs. Ryder is not a significant character.

Edmundson wants to show that Hortense dislikes Mrs, Ryder.

In 'Small Island', why does Hortense describe Mrs. Ryder as not being the heroine of the situation? 

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.