Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 2 Scene 1 with Helen Edmundson
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use Helen Edmundson's comments to explore the contrast between Act 1 and Act 2.
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.
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'. 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
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 peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Small Island', who does Hortense mistakenly approach at the start of Scene 4, thinking he is Michael?
Q2.Which two characters begin a relationship in Act 1 Scenes 4-8 of 'Small Island'?
Q3.What is the significance of the Windrush ship image at the end of Act 1 of 'Small Island'?
Q4.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?
Q6.At the end of Act 1 in Rufus Norris' production of 'Small Island', how is Queenie’s pregnancy presented?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In Act 2, Scene 1 of 'Small Island', what does Gilbert accidentally do when showing Hortense the room?
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?
Q3.In 'Small Island', how does Act 2 change the use of direct address compared to Act 1?
Q4.Which word best describes the setting of Act 2 compared to Act 1 in 'Small Island'?
Q5.Which of these best explains the contrast between Acts 1 and 2 of 'Small Island' according to the writer Helen Edmundson?
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'?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 2 Scene 1 with Helen Edmundson, 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 2 Scene 1 with Helen Edmundson, 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.