Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use Rufus Norris’s comments to explore how contrast, character, and staging choices create meaning.
Key learning points
- Norris explains that the second half of Act 1 is where the characters’ stories start to intertwine.
- Norris highlights the theatrical transition from Arthur’s death to the war’s end as a striking use of juxtaposition.
- Norris suggests that Hortense is a flawed and complex character.
- Norris emphasises the effective use of staging in moving deftly between the different settings and situations.
- Rufus Norris ends Act 1 with the iconic Windrush image to create a powerful symbol of hope and new beginnings.
Keywords
Juxtaposition - putting two very different things side by side to highlight contrast or create meaning
Flawed - having weaknesses or faults, like making mistakes or bad choices
Deft - showing skill or being clever and quick in the way something is done
Iconic - very famous and easily recognised; representing something important or special
Explicitly - clearly and directly stated, with no confusion or doubt
Common misconception
A flawed character is someone who is always unlikeable or hard to relate to.
In reality, flawed characters often have human weaknesses that make them more believable or even sympathetic, much like the character of Hortense.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
You will need the National Theatre production of 'Small Island', which can be found on the website 'Drama Online'. Scene 4 begins with the chorus singing (1:10:45). Act 1 ends in a blackout (1:36:15).
Content guidance
Contains strong language
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Language may offend
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', Gilbert originally signed up to WWII in Jamaica because:
Q2.In Act 1 Scene 3 of 'Small Island', Arthur approaches Gilbert in town because:
Q3.In 'Small Island' Arthur's fate in the cinema scene is:
Q4.Arguably, In 'Small Island', Gilbert uses humour in the scene because:
Q5.Is the statement true or false? Act 1, Scene 3 of 'Small Island' uses fast transitions between moments to keep the audience engaged.
Q6.Rufus Norris, the director of 'Small Island', believes slow scene changes risk:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word beginning with 'j' can be described as: putting two very different things side by side to highlight contrast or create meaning?
Q2.Which word would be the most effective at describing the projected image of the Windrush at the end of Act 1 in 'Small Island'?
Q3.According to the director, Rufus Norris, what word best describes Hortense in Act 1, Scenes 4 to 8 of 'Small Island'?
Q4.Is the statement true or false? Gilbert and Hortense’s relationship is shown as deeply romantic at the end of Act 1 in 'Small Island'.
Q5.Which answer best describes what the image of the Windrush represents at the end of Act 1 of 'Small Island'?
Q6.Which themes are most clearly shown when Hortense offers Gilbert money for the passage to England in exchange for marriage in 'Small Island'?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris, 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.