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Year 9 - English

Watching and discussing 'Small Island' Act 1 Scenes 4-8 with Rufus Norris

'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 use Rufus Norris's comments to explore how contrast, character, and staging choices create meaning.

Key Notes

  • Norris explains that the second half of Act 1 is where the characters' stories start to intertwine.
  • Norris highlights the theatrical transition from Arthur's death to the war's end as a striking use of juxtaposition.
  • Norris suggests that Hortense is a flawed and complex character.
  • Norris emphasises the effective use of staging in moving deftly between the different settings and situations.
  • Rufus Norris ends Act 1 with the iconic Windrush image to create a powerful symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • juxtaposition: putting two very different things side by side to highlight contrast or create meaning
  • flawed: having weaknesses or faults, like making mistakes or bad choices
  • deft: showing skill or being clever and quick in the way something is done
  • iconic: very famous and easily recognised; representing something important or special
  • explicitly: clearly and directly stated, with no confusion or doubt

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • A flawed character is someone who is always unlikeable or hard to relate to.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Norris explains that the second half of Act 1 is where the characters' stories start to intertwine. Norris highlights the theatrical transition from Arthur's death to the war's end as a striking use of juxtaposition.

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

putting two very different things side by side to highlight contrast or create meaning.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: A flawed character is someone who is always unlikeable or hard to relate to. Correction: In reality, flawed characters often have human weaknesses that make them more believable or even sympathetic, much like the character of Hortense.

More Lessons In This Unit

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