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Year 11 - English

Exploring Enid's flat in 'Leave Taking'

'Leave Taking': setting, structure and stagecraft

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore how Pinnock's use of stragecraft in 'Leave Taking' contributes to the play's themes and ideas. They first look at an overview of the play's stagecraft before exploring different settings and techniques in detail. They finally write an essay on generational conflict.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Winsome Pinnock uses the symbolism of Enid's flat to explore themes of identity, conflict and integration.

Key Notes

  • Enid's flat symbolises conflict, both generational and cultural, within her family.
  • The clean, orderly flat reflects Enid's desire for stability and integration into British society.
  • Mai's bedsit contrasts with Enid's flat, representing spiritual and cultural roots through its clutter and artefacts.
  • The lack of Jamaican cultural elements in Enid's flat arguably highlights her emotional distance from her Jamaican past.
  • Enid's domestic focus and Viv's academic pursuits reflect generational differences in values and aspirations.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • integration: the process of adapting to and becoming part of a new society
  • paradoxical: something that appears contradictory or conflicting, but may reveal a deeper truth when examined
  • heritage: the traditions, beliefs, and cultural elements passed down from previous generations that shape a person's identity and sense of belonging
  • sanctuary: a safe and comforting space, often providing emotional or spiritual refuge from external pressures or conflicts

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may believe that Enid's flat is a straightforward symbol of her success and assimilation into British culture, ignoring its role as a site of personal and cultural conflict.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Enid's flat symbolises conflict, both generational and cultural, within her family. The clean, orderly flat reflects Enid's desire for stability and integration into British society.

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

the process of adapting to and becoming part of a new society.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may believe that Enid's flat is a straightforward symbol of her success and assimilation into British culture, ignoring its role as a site of personal and cultural conflict. Correction: Remind pupils that while the flat does represent Enid's material success it is also the site of many of the play's conflicts.

More Lessons In This Unit

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