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Year 11 - English

The importance of the character of Brod in Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'

Leave Taking: The power of education

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils do a deep dive into the role of education in 'Leave Taking'. They first look at how education is presented, and how Viv and Del experience it differently. They then think about what Pinnock might be communicating about education, before preparing and writing an essay about it.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the role Brod plays in 'Leave Taking' as a foil to the character of Enid, and a catalyst for the character of Viv.

Key Notes

  • Jamaica was colonised by the British in 1655.
  • Until Jamaica achieved independence in 1962, its education system was largely Eurocentric.
  • Arguably, Brod is a foil to Enid: he criticises British institutions, policies and attitudes in a way that she does not.
  • Arguably, Brod is a catalyst for Viv's questioning of her education.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • indoctrinate: when you make people believe something; a less formal synonym is to brainwash
  • catalyst: something that causes a change or event to occur
  • foil: a character who contrasts with another character
  • Commonwealth: an international association of 56 independent countries, many of which used to be British colonies
  • colonisation: when a country establishes control over another country, exploiting it for economic gain

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Brod has never been patriotic.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Jamaica was colonised by the British in 1655. Until Jamaica achieved independence in 1962, its education system was largely Eurocentric.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'indoctrinate'

when you make people believe something; a less formal synonym is to brainwash.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Brod has never been patriotic. Correction: Brod expresses that he loved and respected England until his naturalisation process which destabilised his sense of self and opened his eyes to some of the injustices he faces, in his present and his past.

More Lessons In This Unit

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