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Year 9

'Small Island': reading Act 2, Scenes 5 to 6

I can explain how Edmundson uses the description of characters and settings to explore key themes in Act 2, Scenes 5-6.

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Year 9

'Small Island': reading Act 2, Scenes 5 to 6

I can explain how Edmundson uses the description of characters and settings to explore key themes in Act 2, Scenes 5-6.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Edmundson uses stage directions to present the emotional turmoil of the characters.
  2. Setting is used to reflect the characters’ situations and key themes.
  3. Edmundson uses imagery to present the idealistic view of England held by Gilbert and other characters.
  4. Edmundson reveals the reality of racism that Hortense and Gilbert endure.

Common misconception

That Edmundson reveals that dreams are futile and hopeless.

Examine the purpose of the idealistic view of England, what does it allow Hortense and Gilbert to do? What reaction do these moments of humour and hope have on the audience?

Keywords

  • Bewildered - to feel confused or puzzled

  • Turmoil - a state of anxiety, confusion or disturbance

  • Precarious - not secure or stable

  • Quintessential - the most perfect or typical example of something

  • Imagery - using words to create a vivid picture for the reader

In Scene 5 the character Bernard uses a racial slur. You will need to consider how you manage the reading of this and may wish to skip the scene completely.
Teacher tip

Equipment

You will need access to a copy of the play 'Small Island' written by Andrea Levy and adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson

Content guidance

  • Contains strong language
  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'Small Island', what do we find out about Queenie at the end of Act 1?
Correct answer: She is pregnant
She is in love with Michael
She desperately misses Bernard
Q2.
In 'Small Island', what is suggested might have happened to Bernard?
He has been shot dead.
He is 'missing in action'.
Correct answer: He has decided not to return home.
He is in military prison.
Q3.
Complete this quote spoken by Queenie in 'Small Island': "And what am I? Am I a or what?"
Correct Answer: widow
Q4.
Starting with the first, put these plot points from 'Small Island', Act 2 Scenes 1-4 in chronological order.
1 - Hortense arrives in England. She is horrified at Gilbert's living situation.
2 - Miss Todd reveals the racist attitude of the neighbourhood which Queenie rebukes
3 - The racism and hostility Gilbert endures at work is revealed.
4 - Gilbert sees Elwood in his 'mind's eye'.
5 - Hortense attempts to make egg and chips which results in an argument.
6 - Hortense sees Miss Jewel in her 'mind's eye' after an argument with Gilbert.
7 - Hortense tells Gilbert about the racism she has encountered for the first time.
Q5.
In 'Small Island' Act 2 Scene 4 what does Hortense attempt to make for Gilbert and why is it significant?
A roast dinner to emphasise how bad her cooking is.
She knits him some socks to show how cold the house is.
Correct answer: She cooks egg and chips but it's a disaster, which reveals cultural differences.
A pot of tea to create a quintessential image of Britain.
Q6.
Match the character from 'Small Island' to the correct quote.
Correct Answer:Elwood,"Why you fall for their lies again?"

"Why you fall for their lies again?"

Correct Answer:Miss Jewel,"Ah. Hengland. Di mudda-land".

"Ah. Hengland. Di mudda-land".

Correct Answer:Hortense,"You make me come here to live like an animal!"

"You make me come here to live like an animal!"

Correct Answer:Gilbert,"And let me tell you this one thing - you are lucky!"

"And let me tell you this one thing - you are lucky!"

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'Small Island', what does Hortense wear in Act 2 Scene 6, and why is it significant?
Casual clothes, indicating her relaxed state of mind.
A colourful dress, reflecting her optimism.
Correct answer: A pristine white coat, hat, and gloves, showing her efforts to be accepted.
A uniform, representing her profession.
Q2.
In 'Small Island' Act 2 Scene 5, how does Bernard react when he meets Gilbert?
He shakes his hand warmly
He thanks him for looking after Queenie and providing an income
Correct answer: He slams the door in his face
He expresses indifference towards Gilbert
He apologises for his absence
Q3.
In 'Small Island', which two adjectives does Edmundson use to describe London?
Correct answer: miserable
Correct answer: bomb-damaged
dismal
depressing
bleak
Q4.
In 'Small Island', Gilbert describes his idealistic view of England and lists symbolic images of London. Which one of these is not in his list?
Big Ben
Piccadilly Circus
Houses of Parliament
Buckingham Palace
Correct answer: Tower Bridge
Q5.
Match the character from 'Small Island' to the stage directions that describe them.
Correct Answer:Bernard,"He is pale, full of emotion."

"He is pale, full of emotion."

Correct Answer:Queenie,"She lets out a small cry of shock."

"She lets out a small cry of shock."

Correct Answer:Gilbert,"is waiting. He looks worried."

"is waiting. He looks worried."

Correct Answer:Hortense,"She [...] hesitates for a moment, confused, panicky'

"She [...] hesitates for a moment, confused, panicky'

Q6.
In 'Small Island', Edmundson includes the minor characters MAN and WOMAN in the stage directions. What do they represent?
Parallel versions of Gilbert and Hortense.
The anonymity of the city.
Correct answer: Society and its attitudes as a whole, rather than individual people.
The kindness and compassion of the city.