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      Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 2 Scenes 2 to 6 with Rufus Norris

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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use Rufus Norris' comments to explore the contrast of Act 2 and the use of theatrical techniques.

      Key learning points

      1. Norris explains that Act 2 mostly takes place in the house, as opposed to Act 1, which has different environments.
      2. Act 2 uses the revolving stage to show different views of the house without changing sets.
      3. Norris describes how the use of video becomes less apparent in Act 2 as the characters’ lives become more serious.
      4. There is no direct address in Act 2, making it feel more serious and less hopeful.
      5. Norris describes subtle “flights of fancy” with “Aunty” and “Michael” as reminders of the hope from Act 1.

      Keywords

      • Revolve - in theatre, is a part of the stage that turns in a circle to quickly change scenes or settings

      • Vibrancy - liveliness, energy, or brightness in something

      • Remnant - a small part left over from something larger

      Common misconception

      Gilbert shouting at Hortense shows he doesn’t respect her or care about their relationship

      Gilbert’s anger reflects his frustration and the pressures he faces in a racist society. His harsh words mask his deep care and protectiveness, and the scene later shows their developing understanding and connection.

      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 'Drama Online'. Scene 2 begins as Miss Todd enters (1:50:45). Scene 4 ends as Gilbert and Hortense exit (2:18:43)

      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 sexual violence

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      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

      Download starter quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which word best describes the staging of Act 1, 'Small Island'?

      confined
      Correct answer: fluid
      static
      minimal

      Q2.
      What emotional tone does Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Small Island' primarily convey?

      hopeful and dreamy
      playful and lighthearted
      Correct answer: tense and disappointed
      celebratory and joyous

      Q3.
      Put the plot points from Act 2, scene 1 of 'Small Island' in the correct order.

      1 - Gilbert is woken by the doorbell and panics.
      2 - Hortense surveys the room with distaste.
      3 - Queenie enters and tries to make conversation with Hortense.
      4 - Kenneth and Gilbert carry Hortense’s heavy trunk.
      5 - Hortense scolds Gilbert for not meeting her at the dock.
      6 - Gilbert spills the chamber pot.
      7 - Gilbert tells Hortense she is lucky.

      Q4.
      How does Helen Edmundson use the setting in Act 2 to reflect the characters’ emotional states?

      The minimal, enclosed space mirrors their feelings of hope and celebration.
      The open set creates a sense of freedom and escape.
      Correct answer: The confined, realistic space highlights disappointment and emotional tension.
      The shifting set makes the characters feel disoriented and confused.

      Q5.
      How does the absence of direct address in Act 2 of 'Small Island' reflect the characters’ situations?

      It shows that the characters are now more playful and carefree.
      Correct answer: It reflects the characters’ more serious, constrained, and realistic struggles.
      It suggests the characters are disconnected from reality.
      It shows that the characters are confused and uncertain about their actions.

      Q6.
      Why is the contrast between Hortense and Gilbert so important in Act 2 Scene 1 of 'Small Island'?

      It adds comic relief to an otherwise serious scene.
      It shows how both characters have exactly the same view of England.
      Correct answer: It highlights how different their expectations and experiences have been.
      It reveals they already have a strong romantic bond.

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      According to the director, Rufus Norris, what effect does the revolve have in Act 2 of 'Small Island?'

      It confuses the audience by spinning too often.
      It hides the characters when needed.
      It represents the characters’ escape from reality.
      Correct answer: It lets the audience see different perspectives of the same space.

      Q2.
      In Act 2 Scene 2 of 'Small Island', what themes are most clearly reinforced by Miss Todd’s confrontation with Queenie and Hortense?

      Correct answer: alienation
      domesticity
      Correct answer: discrimination
      ambition
      forgiveness

      Q3.
      In 'Small Island', Gilbert’s confrontation with the railway workers reveals what internal conflict?

      Correct answer: He battles between dignity and survival in the face of racism.
      He regrets marrying Hortense.
      He wants to become a writer.
      He is unsure whether to stay in England or return to Jamaica.

      Q4.
      In 'Small Island', what does Hortense’s encounter at the council office reveal?

      That racism doesn’t exist in the education system.
      That qualifications from the Caribbean were fully respected.
      Correct answer: That structural barriers prevent her from achieving her goals.
      That she is lazy and unwilling to work.

      Q5.
      Why might the director of 'Small Island', Rufus Norris, choose to reduce video and projection elements in Act 2?

      Correct answer: To reflect a more grounded, character-driven realism.
      To create a dreamlike quality.
      To return to historical staging conventions.
      Pathé footage no longer existed after the war.

      Q6.
      Is the statement true or false? In 'Small Island', the imagined appearances of Aunty and Miss Jewel offer comic relief and interrupt the tension.

      Correct Answer: false, f, False, F

      To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 2 Scenes 2 to 6 with Rufus Norris, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...