The purpose of a particular character or prop in a play. What they, or it, help us understand further about the playwright’s messages.

Work that explores issues in society, especially issues of injustice.

Work that explores political issues and policies in society.

The feeling that you are accepted in a group, community or society.

Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking': the character of Brod

English

In 'Leave Taking: A Sense of Belonging', pupils explore the themes of immigration and identity in the play. In 'Leave Taking: The Power of Education', pupils explore how a lack of representation in literature and other educational materials negatively impacts on sense of self.

in 'Small Island', pupils explore the themes of identity, race, colonisation - shedding light on the experiences of Jamaican immigrants in post-war Britain. In 'Leave Taking: A Sense of Belonging', pupils explore the experiences of second generation immigrants and the difficulties they face in 1980's Britain. 

Modern text: first study

Expressions that are regarded as coarse or otherwise unacceptable, including swear words and rude words.

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

In 'Leave Taking', how many scenes does the character of Brod appear in?

He migrated from Jamaica; Enid was born in England.

He has never been patriotic; Enid always has.

He is critical of England; Enid rarely is.

In 'Leave Taking', in what ways does the character of Brod serve as a contrast to Enid?

Someone who wants her to know about her Jamaican roots.

Someone who pressures her into going to university.

Someone who tells her about her mother's past.

Someone she can move in with if things break down with her mother.

Someone who can support her financially at university.

In 'Leave Taking', what is Brod's role in Viv's life?

He doesn't feel a sense of belonging in England.

He is unable to establish a relationship with Mai.

In 'Leave Taking', how does Pinnock establish Brod's isolation?

Develop the relationship between Brod and Enid.

Pinnock wrote 'Leave Taking' when she was 23. When it was commissioned to be performed, what was she asked to do by the Liverpool Playhouse Studio?

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Brod says Jamaica is impoverished. He says, "An' why they poor? Because a colonialism. [...] They [the British] suck the {{ }} outta the island, suck them dry."

Brod is a character in 'Leave Taking'. What do we know of him?

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Brod reminds Viv that he "know you mother long before you was {{ }}."

He was fired from his job because of racial discrimination.

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Brod recalls what happened to a friend of his. What are we told?

argues with Enid about Jamaica and England

talks to Enid about her daughters; hears of Mooma's death

tells Del that her father abused her mother

Brod is in three scenes of 'Leave Taking'. Match the scenes to their plot points.

That his wife and children live in Jamaica.

That her father used to abuse her mother.

In Scene Seven of 'Leave Taking', what does Brod tell Del?

In Scene Two of 'Leave Taking', Enid and Brod clash over the choices Enid makes about raising her children. Brod says, "You teaching these children all {{ }}."

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz