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Year 9 - English

'Small Island': reading Act 1, 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 importance of the marriage pact between Hortense and Gilbert and compare it to other relationships in Act 1.

Key Notes

  • Gilbert and Hortense share visions of the middle class life that they will enjoy in England, as a teacher and lawyer.
  • Gender is important as well as race - Hortense realises that marriage is her only opportunity to travel.
  • Hortense is confident that her "pale skin" and education will buy her status in England.
  • The pact between Gilbert and Hortense is more like a business deal.
  • Comparative conjunctions can be used to explore similarities and differences.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • pragmatic: dealing with things in a systematic and realistic way
  • idealistic: viewing something as perfect even if the reality suggests something different
  • assimilation: becoming a part of a group, country, society or culture
  • aomparative conjunction: a word or phrase used to express similarities or differences

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That only the women in Act 1 consider marriage almost like a business transaction.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Gilbert and Hortense share visions of the middle class life that they will enjoy in England, as a teacher and lawyer. Gender is important as well as race - Hortense realises that marriage is her only opportunity to travel.

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

dealing with things in a systematic and realistic way.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That only the women in Act 1 consider marriage almost like a business transaction. Correction: What does Gilbert gain from his marriage to Hortense? How does he describe his feelings towards Hortense and what does this tell the audience?

More Lessons In This Unit

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