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Lesson 20 of 35
Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 2 Scene 1 with Helen Edmundson
I can use Helen Edmundson's comments to explore the contrast between Act 1 and Act 2.
Lesson 20 of 35
New
New
Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 2 Scene 1 with Helen Edmundson
I can use Helen Edmundson's comments to explore the contrast between Act 1 and Act 2.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Edmundson wanted a strong contrast between Act 1 and Act 2.
- Act 1 is expansive, playful, and full of dreams, with direct address creating a story-like feel.
- Act 2 brings characters “back to Earth” into a more disappointing and compromised reality.
- Act 1 has a "fluidity" of movement, while Act 2 has structured, realistic spaces.
- Direct address is removed in Act 2 (until the end) to reflect a more grounded, serious tone.
Keywords
Fluidity - in theatre, fluidity refers the smooth and seamless flow of movement, scenes, or ideas during a performance
Expansive - large, wide, or covering a lot of space
Confined - kept in a small or limited space
Common misconception
The fixed setting in Act 2 means the play is less interesting or creative.
The fixed setting in Act 2 shows how the characters feel trapped or confined by their situations, which makes the story more powerful and emotional.
You may wish to consider the timing of this lesson. Each learning cycle can be taught as a standalone lesson if needed. This will ensure there is enough time to watch and fully engage with each of the videos.
Teacher tip
Equipment
You will need the National Theatre production of 'Small Island', which can be found on the website 'Drama Online'. Act 2 Scene 1 begins (1:36:15) to Gilbert's exit "you are lucky" (1:50:45).
Content guidance
- Contains strong language
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Language may offend
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', who does Hortense mistakenly approach at the start of Scene 4, thinking he is Michael?
In 'Small Island', who does Hortense mistakenly approach at the start of Scene 4, thinking he is Michael?
Bernard
Elwood
Captain Soames
Q2.Which two characters begin a relationship in Act 1 Scenes 4-8 of 'Small Island'?
Which two characters begin a relationship in Act 1 Scenes 4-8 of 'Small Island'?
Gilbert and Celia
Hortense and Michael
Celia and Michael
Q3.What is the significance of the Windrush ship image at the end of Act 1 of 'Small Island'?
What is the significance of the Windrush ship image at the end of Act 1 of 'Small Island'?
It shows a detailed farewell scene.
It highlights the sadness of departure.
It is used to create confusion.
Q4.Is the statement true or false? Michael tells Queenie he lost his family in a hurricane.
Is the statement true or false? Michael tells Queenie he lost his family in a hurricane.
Q5.Which words best describe the staging of Act 1, 'Small Island', according to the director Rufus Norris?
Which words best describe the staging of Act 1, 'Small Island', according to the director Rufus Norris?
elaborate and detailed
overcrowded and busy
dark and gloomy
Q6.At the end of Act 1 in Rufus Norris' production of 'Small Island', how is Queenie’s pregnancy presented?
At the end of Act 1 in Rufus Norris' production of 'Small Island', how is Queenie’s pregnancy presented?
It is clearly shown and explicitly stated that Queenie is pregnant.
Queenie’s pregnancy is not mentioned or suggested at all.
Queenie openly announces her pregnancy to the other characters.
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'Small Island', what does Gilbert accidentally do when showing Hortense the room?
In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'Small Island', what does Gilbert accidentally do when showing Hortense the room?
drops her trunk
breaks a chair
forgets her key
Q2.Which theme is most clearly explored in Act 2, Scene 1 of 'Small Island', when Hortense arrives and sees Gilbert’s small, cramped room?
Which theme is most clearly explored in Act 2, Scene 1 of 'Small Island', when Hortense arrives and sees Gilbert’s small, cramped room?
friendship and loyalty
justice and revenge
power and corruption
Q3.In 'Small Island', how does Act 2 change the use of direct address compared to Act 1?
In 'Small Island', how does Act 2 change the use of direct address compared to Act 1?
The characters use direct address throughout Act 2 just like Act 1.
Direct address is replaced by songs in Act 2.
Direct address is used only for comic relief in Act 2.
Q4.Which word best describes the setting of Act 2 compared to Act 1 in 'Small Island'?
Which word best describes the setting of Act 2 compared to Act 1 in 'Small Island'?
expansive
fluid
playful
Q5.Which of these best explains the contrast between Acts 1 and 2 of 'Small Island' according to the writer Helen Edmundson?
Which of these best explains the contrast between Acts 1 and 2 of 'Small Island' according to the writer Helen Edmundson?
Act 1 is more grounded, and Act 2 is playful.
Act 1 uses a fixed setting, Act 2 has fluid movement.
Both acts have similar tones and staging.
Q6.How might the contrast between Hortense’s expectations and the reality of Gilbert’s situation in Act 2 Scene 1 reflect broader post-war themes in 'Small Island'?
How might the contrast between Hortense’s expectations and the reality of Gilbert’s situation in Act 2 Scene 1 reflect broader post-war themes in 'Small Island'?
It shows the triumph of British colonialism and unity after the war.
It suggests that economic hardship affected all characters equally.
It emphasises the success of British immigration policies.