Starter quiz
- In 'Small Island', what items does Celia say she will have in her home in England?
- A wardrobe full of clothes
- A lace tablecloth ✓
- Lots of money
- Fine bone-china teacups ✓
- A giant front door
-
- In Act 1 Scene 5 of 'Small Island' who does Hortense mistake Gilbert for?
- 'Michael' ✓
- In 'Small Island', Gilbert gives Hortense a nickname. What is it?
- 'Spitfire' ✓
- In 'Small Island', what does Queenie learn about Bernard in Act 1 Scene 5?
- He was shot and died on the battle field.
- He is secretly living in London after being de-mobbed.
- He served a short spell in military prison, before deciding to stay away. ✓
- He has gone missing and no one knows where he is.
-
- At the end of Act 1 Scene 6 in 'Small Island', why does Celia hit Hortense in the mouth?
- Hortense reveals she is in love with Gilbert.
- Hortense calls her a "big, clumsy oaf!"
- Hortense ruins her chances of going to England. ✓
- Hortense ruins her clothes by accidentally knocking her over.
- Gilbert admits he is in love with Hortense.
-
- Which one of these sentences does not use a fronted adverbial?
- Hortense believes that Gilbert is Michael. ✓
- Additionally, Hortense's ominous look reveals her intentions.
- Historically, the promises of the 'mother country' were not a reality.
- Specifically, Celia's dream of a big house reveals her hopes and dreams.
- For example, Elwood repeats the phrase "licky-licky".
-
Exit quiz
- Which answer best describes the word 'pragmatic'?
- Viewing something as perfect even if the reality suggests something different.
- Becoming a part of a group, country, society or culture.
- Dealing with things in a systematic and realistic way. ✓
- Being too emotionally involved in things.
-
- In 'Small Island', what does Celia describe that presents an idealised view of England?
- A big house ✓
- Rolling hills and valleys
- Fine bone-china teacups ✓
- A lace tablecloth ✓
- Buckingham Palace
-
- In 'Small Island', what do we discover at the end of Act 1?
- Hortense is pregnant with Gilbert's child.
- Queenie is pregnant with Michael's child. ✓
- Celia is pregnant with Gilbert's child.
- Queenie is pregnant with Bernard's child.
-
- In 'Small Island', why does Gilbert agree to marry Hortense?
- Because he loves her
- Because she is pregnant
- Because she will give him the money for the boat fare ✓
- Because he doesn't want to be alone
- Because he doesn't want to be with Celia
-
- Complete this quote from Act 1 Scene 7 of 'Small Island'. Hortense states "England is my...
- ticket to success."
- dream."
- destiny."
- golden life." ✓
- mother country."
-
- Which one of these sentences does not use a comparative conjunction?
- Queenie and Hortense do not marry for love. ✓
- Likewise, Queenie believes that marriage offers a better life.
- Similarly, Hortense's decision to marry is a pragmatic one.
- However, Michael and Queenie’s relationship has an element of danger.
- Whereas, Queenie and Michael's relationship is "electrifying".
-
Worksheet
Loading worksheet ...
Presentation
Loading presentation ...
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning 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.
- 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.
Common misconception
That only the women in Act 1 consider marriage almost like a business transaction.
What does Gilbert gain from his marriage to Hortense? How does he describe his feelings towards Hortense and what does this tell the audience?
Keywords
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
+