is to face difficulties, challenges or hardship in life

a situation or feeling or confusion, disorder and chaos

a recurring theme, image or idea that contributes to the overall meaning of a text

occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, leading to tension or humor as events unfold

Tracking characters and tension in 'Small Island'

English

In 'Small Island', pupils explore the ways in which transferring Levy's novel onto the stage enables both the playwright and the director to powerfully evoke its ideas about race, identity and belonging. In 'Leave Taking', pupils build on their learning about the Windrush Generation to explore the cultural and generational conflicts, that can arise as a result of migration. 

In 'The Tempest', pupils examine the roles of Caliban and Ariel and how they are treated as outsiders, questioning who has a rightful claim to the island. In 'Small Island', pupils look at the play in the context of the Windrush generation and through the lens of key themes, including identity and belonging.  

In this unit, pupils explore the playtext adaptation of Andrea Levy's novel 'Small Island'. They first explore the transition from novel to stage, before reading the playtext in full and exploring key scenes in detail. They then plan and write an essay on the theme of 'hope' in the text.

'Small Island'

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

to face difficulties, challenges or hardship in life

situation or feeling of confusion, disorder and chaos

What motif does Edmundson use in 'Small Island' to show the difference between expectations and reality?

What word best fits in this sentence: The characters in 'Small Island' have __________ journeys.

What is being described here: {{}} occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, leading to tension or humor as events unfold.

What examples of dramatic irony do we see in 'Small Island'?

He starts uncertain and becomes more optimistic.

He starts optimistic and becomes more uncertain.

He is always sure of the opportunities that England holds.

In 'Small Island', how does Gilbert's outlook on the "opportunities" England has to offer change?

Something that feels pointless or lacking any worth

A situation or feeling or confusion, disorder and chaos

What adjectives might you use to describe Hortense in 'Small Island'?

Hortense is working as a teaching assistant in a school.

We flashback to Hortense's childhood where she grows up with Michael.

Hortense meets Gilbert and she decides she wants to move to England.

Hortense becomes a victim of racism; she cannot be a teacher.

Hortense helps Queenie deliver her baby and agrees to adopt him.

Starting with the first, put the following plot points for Hortense in 'Small Island' in chronological order.

Hortense grows to be proud of Gilbert after he stands up for himself.

Hortense grows increasingly frustrated with Gilbert because she feels let down.

Hortense grows to love Gilbert for the home he has provided for her.

How do Hortense's feelings for Gilbert change across the course of 'Small Island'?

with Hortense speaking directly to the audience 

A {{}} is a recurring theme, image or idea that contributes to the overall meaning of a text.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

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