'Small Island': reading Act 1 Scene 2 | English | Quizalize & Oak National Academy

Starter quiz

In 'Small Island' why does Edmundson begin with a description of Jamaica "bracing itself" for a hurricane?
- To emphasise the beauty of natural disasters.
- To create a sense of foreboding and tension. ✓
- To showcase the resilience of the characters.
- To highlight the historical context of the story.
A literary trope is...
- a tool used exclusively in plays.
- a theme, image, character or plot element that is used across many texts. ✓
- a unique and individualised narrative element.
- a specific event that triggers the climax of the story.
In 'Small Island' who joins the RAF at the end of Act 1 Scene 1?
- Michael ✓
- Mr Philip
- Mr Ryder
- Mrs Ryder
- Hortense
The Windrush scandal, in contemporary discussions, refers to...
- a celebratory event marking the contributions of immigrants.
- controversies surrounding the immigration status of some Windrush immigrants. ✓
- a successful political movement advocating for equal rights.
- a literary work capturing the experiences of the Windrush generation.
In 'Small Island', what dramatic device does Edmundson use that enables Hortense to tell her own story about her upbringing and life?
- 'Flashback' ✓
In 'Small Island' Edmundson uses direct address. Which word is used to describe how Hortense speaks to the audience?
- Enthusiastically
- Commandingly
- Abruptly
- Authoritatively
- Conspiratorially ✓

In 'Small Island', what does Bernard sign up for at the end of Act 1 Scene 2?
- 'RAF' ✓
Which word describes the act of enduring hardship or pain without complaining?
- Complacency
- Stoicism ✓
- Tolerance
- Indifference
In 'Small Island', what is the significance of the house in Earl’s Court in Scene 2?
- It reflects Queenie's luxurious lifestyle
- It mirrors Bernard's cold and closed-off personality ✓
- It represents a vibrant and warm atmosphere
- It has no significance in the play
In 'Small Island' how does Edmundson use the 'Pathé-style news footage' throughout the play?
- As a recurring motif connecting different characters and settings ✓
- As a source of humour
- As a representation of tragedy
- As a historical documentary
In 'Small Island' Bernard could be considered a caricature of a repressed English gentleman. What does this mean?
- A description that solely focuses on the character's physical appearance.
- A description where characteristics are exaggerated to create a comic effect. ✓
- A description that only happens through actions and does not use dialogue.
- A description where characteristics are emphasised with music.
In 'Small Island' what dramatic techniques does Edmundson use to narrate Hortense and Queenie's stories?
- Monologue
- Flashback ✓
- Asides
- Direct address ✓
- Foreshadowing

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Both Queenie and Hortense tell their story by directly addressing the audience.
Class is a key dimension here - Bernard offers Queenie the hope of a middle class life.
Bernard is a caricature of a repressed English gentleman, who is fearful of all that is unfamiliar.
The setting of Bernard's cold, closed-off Edwardian house mirrors his personality and is opposite to Queenie's warmth.
The playwright uses humour to show the lack of passion between the couple.

That Queenie and Bernard's relationship is only a marriage of convenience.

How do Queenie and Bernard interact with each other? Can you find any clues where love or affection might be present?

Characterisation - how a writer creates and constructs a fictional character
Motif - a dominant or recurring idea or theme in a text
Caricature - a description where characteristics are exaggerated to create a comic effect
Humorous - describes something that is funny
Stoicism - experiencing pain or hardship without complaining