Small Island After Term-break Review

Small Island Review

Grade 12 Mr. Andy

The Title

There are a few theories over the significance of the title Andrea Levy chose.

The obvious being the reference to Jamaica itself as a small island. However we know that it also refers to Britain in that it is such a small island' to have such a great Empire as Levy highlights in the prologue.

Deeper

However, we know we must look deeper. The first point that we need to consider is what is below the obvious connection of the title to the text.

Open Ended

Small Island=Small-minded. Write a few sentences explaining this in the context of the novel. Just a couple please! Be brief.

Other possible theories

Aside from these well-documented theories, we can (and should) make our own.

Multiple Select

Which of these could be tied to the title?

• Bernard's house.

• India

• The USA

• Racism

Let's look at this lovely poem while you consider how?

We couldn't could we?

Could we link this to Andrea Levy's intention? Who is the small clod?

What does it mean?

How about no woman is an Island?

Who is and who is not?

We will debate this next!

Multiple Choice

Who never leaves their 'small island?'

• Queenie

• Bernard

• Hortense

• Michael

• Gilbert

Possible Theories

• Jamaica and England

• The English attitude and the Jamaican attitude

• The house

• The USA vs England

• Every narrator

• Every colored-person facing racism

• You, the reader!

The theme of selfishness

Where do we see most selfishness from an individual? (Your opinion).

Poll

in your opinion which narrator is the most selfish?

• Queenie

• Bernard

• Gilbert

• Hortense

Open Ended

But Levy is, arguably, not talking about individual selfishness. So write her deeper meaning. A few sentences only.

The Title and selfishness.

Is there a link here?

Poll

Selfishness links strongly to the title.

• Agree

• Disagree

• Somewhat

• I bet I could argue it in an essay.

Fresh Opinion

Now it is your turn to try and think of another theory of title significance.