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Year 9

'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense

I can explain how Edmundson presents colonial attitudes through little Hortense and explores the themes of power and hierarchy.

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Year 9

'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense

I can explain how Edmundson presents colonial attitudes through little Hortense and explores the themes of power and hierarchy.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Hortense is encouraged by the colonial system of shade hierarchy, to see herself as superior because of her light skin.
  2. The values of this 'shadist' society are instilled from childhood, when she is taken from her birth mother.
  3. Hortense is placed with wealthy cousins of her father; social position is more important than maternal connection.
  4. Although Hortense views herself as superior, her class and illegitimacy mean she has less status in society.

Keywords

  • Colourism - the favouring of lighter skin over darker skin which leads to discrimination

  • Hierarchical - the idea that people can be ranked in society by their power and status

  • Illegitimate - refers to someone who was born without their parents being married; it is not a term we use very often today

  • Superiority - a person who is viewed as special or better than others

  • Ostracised - to be excluded from a group or society

Common misconception

Michael and Hortnese have the same upbringing.

As well as exploring the different ways their lives are described, think back to how Mr. Philip reacts to Hortense climbing the tree. Why does he find it so problematic? This reveals a stark difference between Michael and Hortense.


To help you plan your year 9 english lesson on: 'Small Island': exploring the theme of power through Little Hortense, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Ensure you fully understand the definition of colourism and its relationship to racism. Both can exist at the same time.
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Teacher tip
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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.

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Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

copyright

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 'Small Island', what is the name of the teacher we are introduced to in Act 1 Scene 1?
Correct Answer: Mrs. Ryder, Ryder, ryder, mrs ryder, Mrs Ryder
Q2.
What does the Pathé-style news footage in the opening of 'Small Island' depict?
A peaceful Jamaican village.
Correct answer: Characters preparing for a hurricane in Jamaica.
Scenes from WWII.
Mrs. Ryder in a school classroom.
Q3.
In 'Small Island', why is the date "Summer. 1939" significant in the context of the play?
Correct answer: It marks the beginning of WWII.
It is the year the play was written.
It is the year the character Hortense is born.
It signifies a strong hurricane in Jamaica.
Q4.
In 'Small Island', what effect does the direct address have when Hortense looks at the audience and speaks conspiratorially?
It establishes her as a villain.
It distances the audience from the character.
It reveals her as the heroine.
Correct answer: It creates a rapport with the audience.
Q5.
In 'Small Island', according to Miss Jewel, what kind of life does she describe for Hortense's future?
A challenging life with many hardships.
A carefree and adventurous life.
Correct answer: A golden life connoting wealth and success.
A dull and mundane life.
Q6.
In 'Small Island', why does Hortense describe Mrs. Ryder as not being the heroine of the situation?
Edmundson wants to reveal that Mrs. Ryder is the true villain of the play.
Correct answer: Edmundson uses the character to challenge dominant historical narratives.
Edmundson wants to ensure that Mrs. Ryder is not a significant character.
Edmundson wants to show that Hortense dislikes Mrs, Ryder.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
From 'Small Island' complete this quote: "This skin is a life".
Correct Answer: golden, Golden, "golden"
Q2.
What is the definition of colourism?
The belief in the superiority of certain races over others.
Correct answer: Discrimination based on skin color, favoring lighter skin over darker skin.
The division of society based on wealth and education.
The exclusion of individuals from a group or society.
Q3.
In 'Small Island', why is Hortense sent to live with her father's wealthy family?
To punish her.
Correct answer: To provide her with better life opportunities.
Because she is abandonded.
To learn about her history.
Q4.
In 'Small Island', what connotations does the description "warm honey" carry in the context of Little Hortense and colourism?
Poverty and struggle.
Darkness and obscurity.
Hierarchy and power.
Correct answer: Comfort and luxury.
Q5.
What historical factor contributed to the development of colourism?
Economic disparities.
Gender inequality.
Correct answer: Colonial attitudes and history.
Religious beliefs.
Q6.
In 'Small Island', what is the significance of the repetition of the word "golden" in the text?
It emphasises the idea of darkness and obscurity.
Correct answer: It reinforces the colonial ideals of superiority associated with lighter skin.
It represents the concept of gender hierarchy.
It highlights the importance of education in societal hierarchies.