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Year 9 - English

'Small Island': tracking the events of Act 1 Scene 1

'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 1.

Key Notes

  • Stella's attitude to the hurricane shows her ignorance - she views it as an exotic experience, neglecting the danger.
  • The hurricane is a powerful natural force that exposes truths about the human relations between characters.
  • The stage directions show Hortense preparing the schoolhouse, whereas the naive Mrs. Ryder looks out from the open door.
  • Hortense's calmness in the storm suggests she has been shaped by strong forces.
  • Freytag's pyramid can be used to track events and characters.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Mischievous: showing a fondness for causing trouble
  • Blasphemy: to use language or act in a way that disrespects God
  • Mother country: xan refer to the country you are born in or a country you are emotionally attached to; in colonial countries Britain is often referred to in this way
  • Stage directions: an instruction in the play script that explains how it should be performed and presented

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • That Hortense is only motivated by heartbreak.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Stella's attitude to the hurricane shows her ignorance - she views it as an exotic experience, neglecting the danger. The hurricane is a powerful natural force that exposes truths about the human relations between characters.

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

showing a fondness for causing trouble.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: That Hortense is only motivated by heartbreak. Correction: How does Hortense view herself, even from a young age? She does at times view herself as superior. Furthermore, she has lived in the house for a long time and has perhaps internalised the moral and religious standards that Mr. Philip holds.

More Lessons In This Unit

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