Starter quiz
- In 'Small Island', what is the name of the teacher we are introduced to in Act 1 Scene 1?
- 'Mrs. Ryder' ✓
- What does the Pathé-style news footage in the opening of 'Small Island' depict?
- A peaceful Jamaican village.
- Characters preparing for a hurricane in Jamaica. ✓
- Scenes from WWII.
- Mrs. Ryder in a school classroom.
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- In 'Small Island', why is the date "Summer. 1939" significant in the context of the play?
- It marks the beginning of WWII. ✓
- It is the year the play was written.
- It is the year the character Hortense is born.
- It signifies a strong hurricane in Jamaica.
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- In 'Small Island', what effect does the direct address have when Hortense looks at the audience and speaks conspiratorially?
- It establishes her as a villain.
- It distances the audience from the character.
- It reveals her as the heroine.
- It creates a rapport with the audience. ✓
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- In 'Small Island', according to Miss Jewel, what kind of life does she describe for Hortense's future?
- A challenging life with many hardships.
- A carefree and adventurous life.
- A golden life connoting wealth and success. ✓
- A dull and mundane life.
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- In 'Small Island', why does Hortense describe Mrs. Ryder as not being the heroine of the situation?
- Edmundson wants to reveal that Mrs. Ryder is the true villain of the play.
- Edmundson uses the character to challenge dominant historical narratives. ✓
- Edmundson wants to ensure that Mrs. Ryder is not a significant character.
- Edmundson wants to show that Hortense dislikes Mrs, Ryder.
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Exit quiz
- From 'Small Island' complete this quote: "This skin is a ______ life".
- 'golden' ✓
- What is the definition of colourism?
- The belief in the superiority of certain races over others.
- Discrimination based on skin color, favoring lighter skin over darker skin. ✓
- The division of society based on wealth and education.
- The exclusion of individuals from a group or society.
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- In 'Small Island', why is Hortense sent to live with her father's wealthy family?
- To punish her.
- To provide her with better life opportunities. ✓
- Because she is abandonded.
- To learn about her history.
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- In 'Small Island', what connotations does the description "warm honey" carry in the context of Little Hortense and colourism?
- Poverty and struggle.
- Darkness and obscurity.
- Hierarchy and power.
- Comfort and luxury. ✓
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- What historical factor contributed to the development of colourism?
- Economic disparities.
- Gender inequality.
- Colonial attitudes and history. ✓
- Religious beliefs.
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- In 'Small Island', what is the significance of the repetition of the word "golden" in the text?
- It emphasises the idea of darkness and obscurity.
- It reinforces the colonial ideals of superiority associated with lighter skin. ✓
- It represents the concept of gender hierarchy.
- It highlights the importance of education in societal hierarchies.
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Hortense is encouraged by the colonial system of shade hierarchy, to see herself as superior because of her light skin.
- The values of this 'shadist' society are instilled from childhood, when she is taken from her birth mother.
- Hortense is placed with wealthy cousins of her father; social position is more important than maternal connection.
- Although Hortense views herself as superior, her class and illegitimacy mean she has less status in society.
Common misconception
Michael and Hortnese have the same upbringing.
As well as exploring the different ways their lives are described, think back to how Mr. Philip reacts to Hortense climbing the tree. Why does he find it so problematic? This reveals a stark difference between Michael and Hortense.
Keywords
Colourism - the favouring of lighter skin over darker skin which leads to discrimination
Hierarchical - the idea that people can be ranked in society by their power and status
Illegitimate - refers to someone who was born without their parents being married; it is not a term we use very often today
Superiority - a person who is viewed as special or better than others
Ostracised - to be excluded from a group or society
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