'Small Island': reading Act 1, Scenes 7 and 8
I can explain the importance of the marriage pact between Hortense and Gilbert and compare it to other relationships in Act 1.
'Small Island': reading Act 1, Scenes 7 and 8
I can explain the importance of the marriage pact between Hortense and Gilbert and compare it to other relationships in Act 1.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gilbert and Hortense share visions of the middle class life that they will enjoy in England, as a teacher and lawyer.
- Gender is important as well as race - Hortense realises that marriage is her only opportunity to travel.
- Hortense is confident that her "pale skin" and education will buy her status in England.
- The pact between Gilbert and Hortense is more like a business deal.
- Comparative conjunctions can be used to explore similarities and differences.
Common misconception
That only the women in Act 1 consider marriage almost like a business transaction.
What does Gilbert gain from his marriage to Hortense? How does he describe his feelings towards Hortense and what does this tell the audience?
Keywords
Pragmatic - dealing with things in a systematic and realistic way
Idealistic - viewing something as perfect even if the reality suggests something different
Assimilation - becoming a part of a group, country, society or culture
Aomparative conjunction - a word or phrase used to express similarities or differences
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
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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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