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Year 11
AQA

Exploring Enid's flat in 'Leave Taking'

I can explain how Winsome Pinnock uses the symbolism of Enid's flat to explore themes of identity, conflict and integration.

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New
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Year 11
AQA

Exploring Enid's flat in 'Leave Taking'

I can explain how Winsome Pinnock uses the symbolism of Enid's flat to explore themes of identity, conflict and integration.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Enid's flat symbolises conflict, both generational and cultural, within her family.
  2. The clean, orderly flat reflects Enid's desire for stability and integration into British society.
  3. Mai's bedsit contrasts with Enid's flat, representing spiritual and cultural roots through its clutter and artefacts.
  4. The lack of Jamaican cultural elements in Enid's flat arguably highlights her emotional distance from her Jamaican past.
  5. Enid's domestic focus and Viv's academic pursuits reflect generational differences in values and aspirations.

Keywords

  • Integration - the process of adapting to and becoming part of a new society

  • Paradoxical - something that appears contradictory or conflicting, but may reveal a deeper truth when examined

  • Heritage - the traditions, beliefs, and cultural elements passed down from previous generations that shape a person's identity and sense of belonging

  • Sanctuary - a safe and comforting space, often providing emotional or spiritual refuge from external pressures or conflicts

Common misconception

Pupils may believe that Enid's flat is a straightforward symbol of her success and assimilation into British culture, ignoring its role as a site of personal and cultural conflict.

Remind pupils that while the flat does represent Enid's material success it is also the site of many of the play's conflicts.


To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Exploring Enid's flat in 'Leave Taking', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Before the lesson, ask pupils to create a simple diagram of a flat or bedsit, and annotate it with what personal and cultural objects they would place in it. This activity will encourage them to think about how physical spaces can represent personal and cultural identity.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' published by Nick Hern Books.

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In Pinnock's 'Leave Taking', Scene 2 opens in Enid's flat as the Matthews family are preparing for a visitor? Who is the visitor they're preparing for?
Mai
Correct answer: the Pastor
Mooma
Gullyman
Brod
Q2.
Which of the below characters spend time living in Enid's flat in 'Leave Taking'?
Correct answer: Brod
Correct answer: Del
Correct answer: Viv
Mai
Gullyman
Q3.
In Pinnock's 'Leave Taking', Enid works as a __________ at a local hospital.
doctor
nurse
Correct answer: cleaner
porter
cook
Q4.
In Scene Four of 'Leave Taking', Enid tells Viv about her family's economic situation in Jamaica. What word does she use?
Correct answer: poorest
impoverished
mediocre
Q5.
In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Enid says to Brod she's proud of her children. What culture does she describe them as being a part of?
Correct answer: English
Jamaican
Caribbean
European
Q6.
In 'Leave Taking', how does Pinnock present Enid's life in England, compared to her life in Jamaica?
Correct answer: Enid feels more isolated in England.
Enid was unemployed in Jamaica, unlike in England.
Enid faces destitution in England, like she did in Jamaica.
Correct answer: Enid feels her children have better opportunities in England.
Correct answer: Enid faces hardships in both Jamaica and England.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The process of 'adapting to and becoming part of a new society' is known as
Correct Answer: integration, Integration
Q2.
What does the absence of Jamaican cultural elements in Enid’s flat arguably suggest in Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'?
her rejection of British values
Correct answer: her distance from her Jamaican heritage
her deep connection to Jamaica
her focus on spirituality
Q3.
In 'Leave Taking', in contrast to Enid’s flat, Mai's bedsit could reflect ...
her focus on academic success.
Correct answer: her strong spiritual and cultural connection.
her desire to distance herself from Jamaican roots.
a lack of interest in maintaining her space.
Q4.
In 'Leave Taking', a key event that takes place in Enid's flat is when there is a heated argument and Enid slaps ...
Correct answer: Del
Mai
Enid
Brod
her husband
Q5.
What does Enid's description of her daughters as "English" suggest in 'Leave Taking'?
her complete rejection of Jamaican culture
Correct answer: her pride in raising them in Britain
her belief they should follow British traditions
her emotional distance from her children
Q6.
In 'Leave Taking', how does the contrast between Enid's flat and Mai's bedsit deepen the exploration of identity in the play?
It shows how both women reject their cultural roots for material success.
Correct answer: It highlights Enid's integration and Mai's deeper connection to her heritage.
It emphasises how neither woman feels a connection to British culture.
It shows that material wealth guarantees happiness and peace.