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Year 9 - English

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

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

Key Notes

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

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Michael and Hortnese have the same upbringing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Hortense is encouraged by the colonial system of shade hierarchy, to see herself as superior because of her light skin. The values of this 'shadist' society are instilled from childhood, when she is taken from her birth mother.

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

the favouring of lighter skin over darker skin which leads to discrimination.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Michael and Hortnese have the same upbringing. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

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