Plot & Structure Flashcards
(10 cards)
Prologue
Young Queenie visits the British Empire Exhibition
1948 - Part 1
Hortense arrives at Nevern Street, to Queenie’s house, with her new husband Gilbert
Before, Hortense
- Hortense’s illegitimacy
- Upbringing in Jamaica
- Michael Roberts, who joins the RAF and goes missing
- Steals Gilbert from Celia Langley, paying for his Windrush ticket
1948 - Part 2
Queenie narrates Hortense’s arrival. Queenie met Gilbert in Lincolnshire, at the riot in which Arthur Bligh was killed. Hortense looks down on Gilbert’s living situation.
Before, Gilbert
- Gilbert’s wartime experience of racism
- Finding Arthur, taking him back to Queenie, the racist riot
- Returns to Jamaica in 1947, but feels he has outgrown the “Small Island”, marries Hortense
1948 - Part 3
Hortense and Gilbert’s first days in Nevern Street. Queenie and Hortense go shopping.
Before, Queenie
- Queenie raised on a farm, then in her Aunt Dorothy’s sweet shop, marriage to Bernard
- The war starts, Bernard joins the RAF and goes missing for 5 years
- Queenie has an affair with Michael Roberts
- Injured in a rocket attack, Arthur takes care of her
1948 - Part 4
Hortense and Gilbert’s marriage continues to go badly. Bernard returns to Nevern Street.
Before, Bernard
- In India, Bernard witnesses a fire that kills 8 people, including his friend Maxi, and is jailed.
- Recalls Arthurs time on WW1, and his resulting Shellshock
- Visits a young prostitute, then believes he has Syphilis
1948 - Part 5
Bernard spent 2 years in Brighton, too ashamed to return home. Hortense tries to become a teacher, but her qualifications aren’t valid in England. Queenie goes into labour, and Bernard assumes Gilbert is the father. Queenie reveals how Michael is the father, and begs Gilbert and Hortense to take the baby. They move to a different house, and agree to take the baby.
