'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Edmundson presents colonial attitudes through little Hortense and explores the themes of power and hierarchy.
Key learning points
- Hortense is encouraged by the colonial system of shade hierarchy, to see herself as superior because of her light skin.
- The values of this 'shadist' society are instilled from childhood, when she is taken from her birth mother.
- Hortense is placed with wealthy cousins of her father; social position is more important than maternal connection.
- Although Hortense views herself as superior, her class and illegitimacy mean she has less status in society.
Keywords
Colourism - the favouring of lighter skin over darker skin which leads to discrimination
Hierarchical - the idea that people can be ranked in society by their power and status
Illegitimate - refers to someone who was born without their parents being married; it is not a term we use very often today
Superiority - a person who is viewed as special or better than others
Ostracised - to be excluded from a group or society
Common misconception
Michael and Hortnese have the same upbringing.
As well as exploring the different ways their lives are described, think back to how Mr. Philip reacts to Hortense climbing the tree. Why does he find it so problematic? This reveals a stark difference between Michael and Hortense.
Teacher tip
Ensure you fully understand the definition of colourism and its relationship to racism. Both can exist at the same time.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the play 'Small Island' written by Andrea Levy and adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', what is the name of the teacher we are introduced to in Act 1 Scene 1?
Q2.What does the Pathé-style news footage in the opening of 'Small Island' depict?
Q3.In 'Small Island', why is the date "Summer. 1939" significant in the context of the play?
Q4.In 'Small Island', what effect does the direct address have when Hortense looks at the audience and speaks conspiratorially?
Q5.In 'Small Island', according to Miss Jewel, what kind of life does she describe for Hortense's future?
Q6.In 'Small Island', why does Hortense describe Mrs. Ryder as not being the heroine of the situation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.From 'Small Island' complete this quote: "This skin is a life".
Q2.What is the definition of colourism?
Q3.In 'Small Island', why is Hortense sent to live with her father's wealthy family?
Q4.In 'Small Island', what connotations does the description "warm honey" carry in the context of Little Hortense and colourism?
Q5.What historical factor contributed to the development of colourism?
Q6.In 'Small Island', what is the significance of the repetition of the word "golden" in the text?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: 'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: 'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the 'Small Island' unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.