'Small Island': reading the beginning of Act 1 Scene 3
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the events of Act 1 Scene 3 and how the character of Gilbert is established.
Key learning points
- Gilbert is motivated by a desire to fight against Hitler and his Nazi racial theories.
- Gilbert is portrayed as gullible, whereas his cousin Elwood is more cynical about their 'mother country'.
- Gilbert breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience to show them the reality of his posting with the RAF.
- The sarcasm and demeaning tone of the Sergeant in Lincolnshire is deliberately contrasted with the recruiting officer.
- Gilbert joins the RAF to fight for the British Empire, yet he finds that in Britain there's no sense of shared identity.
Keywords
Sarcasm - the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say
Gullible - easily persuaded or willing to believe most things
Cynical - not trusting or unwilling to believe that there are good intentions
Ideology - a system of ideas, values or beliefs
Colloquial - describes language that is informal or casual everyday language
Common misconception
The Jamaican characters all have a cynical view of Britain and the British empire.
The reality is more nuanced. Whilst characters like Elwood are openly critical, some characters (like Gilbert) are more positive, buying into wartime narratives of fighting for their 'mother country'.
Teacher tip
In learning cycle 1 there is an opportunity to explore WW1 and WW2 propaganda and its effects in more depth. Share other images of posters and explore how they persuaded people to enlist and what they suggested about war.
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
Contains strong language
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', what do the characters Michael and Bernard both sign up for after dramatic events?
Q2.Where is Scene 2 set in 'Small Island'?
Q3.In 'Small Island', how does Edmundson use the house in Scene 2 to reflect Bernard's characterisation?
Q4.In 'Small Island', who is the first character to use direct address?
Q5.Starting with the first, put these events from Act 1 Scene 2 of 'Small Island' into chronological order.
Q6.In 'Small Island' what dramatic device does Edmundson use to enable characters to share their histories?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', which term best describes Elwood's attitude towards Gilbert's decision to enlist?
Q2.In 'Small Island' Elwood asks Gilbert "why you wanna go licky-licky to the British?". What describes this types of language use?
Q3.In 'Small Island' Scene 3, which dramatic techniques are used that are also found in Scenes 1 and 2?
Q4.Match the quotes from 'Small Island' to either Elwood or Gilbert.
Q5.In 'Small Island' what role does Gilbert get assigned when he joins the RAF in England?
Q6.In 'Small Island', how does Gilbert describe the reactions of the people in the village.
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: 'Small Island': reading the beginning of Act 1 Scene 3, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: 'Small Island': reading the beginning of Act 1 Scene 3, 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.