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Lesson 14 of 29
  • Year 10
  • AQA

Winsome Pinnock on the characters in 'Leave Taking'

I can use Winsome Pinnock’s insights to explore and develop my understanding of the characters in 'Leave Taking'.

Lesson 14 of 29
New
New
  • Year 10
  • AQA

Winsome Pinnock on the characters in 'Leave Taking'

I can use Winsome Pinnock’s insights to explore and develop my understanding of the characters in 'Leave Taking'.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Pinnock describes Enid as strict but protective, trying to prepare her daughters for a harsh world.
  2. Del and Viv are complex characters inspired by Pinnock’s love of strong female roles.
  3. Pinnock explains that characters sometimes act against expectations to support each other.
  4. Pinnock says Brod and Mai show how the community supports and guides the younger generation.
  5. Del reading Enid’s palm and embracing Obeah shows her empathy and continuation of tradition.

Keywords

  • Hostile - unfriendly, threatening, or unwelcoming

  • Resistance - fighting back against something unfair or trying to stop something you disagree with

  • Assert - to speak or act confidently so people know what you think or who you are

  • Discrimination - unfair or negative treatment of someone because of their race, gender, religion, or another part of their identity

  • Circumspect - wary and unwilling to take risks

Common misconception

Enid and other immigrants came to Britain fully aware of the challenges and were prepared for discrimination.

Pinnock explains that many, like Enid, saw themselves as British subjects and expected a “homecoming”, so the hostility and racism they faced were a shock.


To help you plan your year 10 English lesson on: Winsome Pinnock on the characters in 'Leave Taking', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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Teacher tip

Equipment

You need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'.

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
In which city is 'Leave Taking' set?

Correct Answer: London

Q2.
Match the characters from 'Leave Taking' to the correct descriptions.

Correct Answer:Enid,The strict but caring mother, determined to protect her daughters.

The strict but caring mother, determined to protect her daughters.

Correct Answer:Del,The rebellious, strong-willed daughter.

The rebellious, strong-willed daughter.

Correct Answer:Viv,The studious and curious daughter who plans to go to university.

The studious and curious daughter who plans to go to university.

Correct Answer:Mai,A healer and spiritual guide who practices Obeah.

A healer and spiritual guide who practices Obeah.

Correct Answer:Brod,The loyal family friend who offers guidance.

The loyal family friend who offers guidance.

Q3.
Is the statement true or false? The play 'Leave Taking' takes place over several decades.

Correct Answer: false, False, f

Q4.
Put the plot points, focused on Enid from 'Leave Taking' in the correct order.

1 - Enid takes Del and Viv to Mai for a reading (suspecting Del might be pregnant).
2 - Enid slaps Del after discovering she lost her job and stayed out all night.
3 - Enid receives news that her mother has died.
4 - Enid returns to Mai, worried about Del disappearing.
5 - Del reads Enid’s palm as they begin to reconnect.

Q5.
Who speaks the first line in 'Leave Taking'?

Correct answer: Mai
Enid
Brod
Del
Viv

Q6.
In 'Leave Taking', which character has an estranged son?

Correct Answer: Mai

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
According to Pinnock, in 'Leave Taking', why does Enid push her daughters to work hard?

She wants them to be wealthy.
She wants them to obey her completely.
She wants them to become famous
Correct answer: She wants them to survive a hostile society.

Q2.
What kind of character does Pinnock describe Del as in 'Leave Taking'?

quiet and rule-following
Correct answer: a fiery rebel with a vulnerable side
completely obedidient
a passive observer

Q3.
Which of the following best describes Viv from 'Leave Taking', according to Winsome Pinnock?

rebellious only
completely rule-following
Correct answer: studious, curious, and sometimes rebellious
not interested in education

Q4.
Is the statement true or false? Pinnock explains that the older generation were completely passive and did not resist racism.

Correct Answer: false, f, False

Q5.
Which moment does Pinnock describe as the most powerful change in 'Leave Taking'?

Viv deciding to apply to university.
Brod giving Viv a book.
Enid arguing with Del in the kitchen.
Correct answer: Del reading Enid’s palm and learning about her mother’s past.

Q6.
Which interpretation best connects Pinnock’s comments to the theme of intergenerational conflict in 'Leave Taking'?

The younger characters reject all guidance.
All characters share identical beliefs.
Correct answer: Generational differences show different strategies for surviving racism.
Conflict only happens because the daughters dislike tradition.