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Year 9 - English

'Small Island': reading the beginning of Act 1 Scene 3

'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 1 Scene 3 and how the character of Gilbert is established.

Key Notes

  • Gilbert is motivated by a desire to fight against Hitler and his Nazi racial theories.
  • Gilbert is portrayed as gullible, whereas his cousin Elwood is more cynical about their 'mother country'.
  • Gilbert breaks the fourth wall, addressing the audience to show them the reality of his posting with the RAF.
  • The sarcasm and demeaning tone of the Sergeant in Lincolnshire is deliberately contrasted with the recruiting officer.
  • Gilbert joins the RAF to fight for the British Empire, yet he finds that in Britain there's no sense of shared identity.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Sarcasm: the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say
  • Gullible: easily persuaded or willing to believe most things
  • Cynical: not trusting or unwilling to believe that there are good intentions
  • Ideology: a system of ideas, values or beliefs
  • Colloquial: describes language that is informal or casual everyday language

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Jamaican characters all have a cynical view of Britain and the British empire.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Gilbert is motivated by a desire to fight against Hitler and his Nazi racial theories. Gilbert is portrayed as gullible, whereas his cousin Elwood is more cynical about their 'mother country'.

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

the use of remarks that clearly mean the opposite of what they say.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The Jamaican characters all have a cynical view of Britain and the British empire. Correction: The reality is more nuanced. Whilst characters like Elwood are openly critical, some characters (like Gilbert) are more positive, buying into wartime narratives of fighting for their 'mother country'.

More Lessons In This Unit

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