Starter quiz
- In the opening stage directions of 'Small Island,' what year is mentioned, and what event is highlighted?
- 1918; The start of World War I
- 1939; Pathé-style news footage of Jamaica preparing for a hurricane ✓
- 1945; The end of World War II
- 1945; The bombing of Pearl Harbor
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- In 'Small Island', what is Hortense's role in the schoolhouse?
- headteacher
- teacher
- assistant ✓
- janitor
- student
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- In 'Small Island', what significant term does Hortense use to describe Mrs Ryder?
- heroine
- antagonist
- dominant
- evangelist ✓
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- What does the word "ostracised" mean?
- to be included in a group or society
- to be excluded from a group or society ✓
- to conform to expectations and standards
- to have power and authority
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- What are stage directions?
- dialogue between characters
- a summary of the main events in the play
- the themes that are explored in the text
- instructions that direct how the play should be performed and presented ✓
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- In 'Small Island', which character says "You a lucky, lucky chile. This skin is a golden life."
- Hortense
- Miss Jewel ✓
- Mrs Ryder
- Mr Philip
- Michael
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Exit quiz
- What is the correct definition of blasphemy?
- an act of kindness towards God
- a way to express devotion to a deity
- a disrespectful use of language or behaviour towards God ✓
- a form of religious worship
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- In 'Small Island', which of these do not appear in the stage directions that describe Michael?
- a tie held in place by a pin
- a hat tipped at an angle
- a thin moustache
- a pair of shined shoes ✓
- a well-cut suit
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- In 'Small Island', which word does Miss Ma use to describe Michael's affair?
- unholy ✓
- forbidden
- immoral
- unacceptable
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- In 'Small Island', where does Michael say he is going?
- the mother country ✓
- England
- America
- anywhere but here
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- In reference to Freytag's pyramid and 'Small Island', Michael leaving and joining the RAF could be considered the...
- exposition.
- rising action.
- climax.
- falling action.
- denouement. ✓
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- In 'Small Island', Michael tells Hortense to "get away from this...
- violent, depraved town"
- gloomy, lifeless town"
- small, small town" ✓
- unholy, blasphemous town"
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning 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.
- 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.
Common misconception
That Hortense is only motivated by heartbreak.
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.
Keywords
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
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