An analytical response to colonial attitudes in 'Small Island' | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

What is the term used to describe the spread of people from their original homeland?

• Exile

• Diaspora

• Colonisation

• Nomadic

Answer explanation

'Small Island' explores the history of the Windrush migration and its impact on the Caribbean diaspora.

What is the term for the control by one country over another?

• Independence

• Diaspora

• Colonialism

• Globalism

Answer explanation

'Small Island' explores the impact of a colonial legacy on attitudes towards migration and race.

'Small Island' is a stage adaption of a novel by Andrea Levy. What type of context is this?

• Biographical

• Literary

• Social

• Historical

Answer explanation

Literary context means what influenced the text's style or genre.

Andrea Levy, author of the novel 'Small Island', was a second generation migrant to Jamaican parents. What type of context is this?

• Literary

• Biographical

• Social

• Historical

Answer explanation

This piece of context is about Levy and her experiences. Thus it is biographical context.

In which year was 'Small Island' first performed on stage and what is the significance of this date?

• 2008 alongside the British Banking crisis

• 1962 when Jamaica gained its independence

• 2019 amidst the Windrush Scandal

• 2003 with the start of the Iraq War

Answer explanation

The timely release of the play in relation to the Windrush Scandal makes its themes even more pertinent.

In every literature essay, you should include context. Match the type of context to its definition.

• Social

• What are the life experiences of the author?

• Biographical

• What was happening when the text was written?

• Historical

• What were the shared values and ideas of the time period?

• Literary

• What influenced the text's style or genre?

Answer explanation

Context covers a range of ideas, and it is up to you to decide which piece is of most importance for each essay you write.