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Year 9 - English

'Small Island': reading Act 2, Scenes 7 and 8

'Small Island'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore the playtext adaptation of Andrea Levy's novel 'Small Island'. They first explore the transition from novel to stage, before reading the playtext in full and exploring key scenes in detail. They then plan and write an essay on the theme of 'hope' in the text.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the events of Act 2 Scenes 7 and 8 and explore Edmundson's use of symbolism.

Key Notes

  • Bernard's behaviour is a poignant reminder of the racist and discriminatory attitudes of the time.
  • Parallels can be drawn between Bernard and Miss Todd.
  • Edmundson uses symbolism to explore the theme of hope.
  • Bernard's reaction to the baby encapsulates a promise of reparation and hope.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • symbolism: the use of images to represent specific ideas or themes
  • reparation: the action of repairing something. To make amends to those that have been wronged or harmed
  • poignant: evoking a strong emotional response. Revealing a significant meaning
  • encapsulate: to show or represent the most important features of something
  • parallel: describing something that is similar to something else.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Bernard completely rejects Queenie's baby due to his racial prejudices.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Bernard's behaviour is a poignant reminder of the racist and discriminatory attitudes of the time. Parallels can be drawn between Bernard and Miss Todd.

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

the use of images to represent specific ideas or themes.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Bernard completely rejects Queenie's baby due to his racial prejudices. Correction: What does the baby symbolise? How does Edmundson use Benard's behaviour to hint at the potential for reparation and change.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 English guide library.