Flowers of Freedom: Voice, Defiance, and Coming of Age in Purple Hibiscus

Lesson 1
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ELA

Unit 2

10th Grade

Lesson 1 of 24

Objective


Analyze Binyavanga Wainaina's use of satire in his essay "How to Write About Africa."

Readings and Materials


  • Article: “How to Write about Africa” by Binyavanga Wainaina 

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

What connections do you see between the perspective about Africa and Africans that Wainaina satirizes in his essay and the colonialists' perspective about Africa as learned about in the video? How is this perspective harmful?

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

What is Wainaina satirizing in his essay? What satirical techniques does he employ and what are their effects?

What is the effect of Wainaina repeating the line "because you care"? Who is the "you" he is referencing? What point does he make through this repetition?

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

satire

a literary genre or mode that uses a comedic or dark tone to expose flaws in human behavior

verbal irony

when a speaker's intended meaning is the opposite of what they literally say

hyperbole

when a speaker exaggerates in an obvious way that is not meant to be taken literally

understatement

when a speaker downplays a situation or characteristic, so that it seems less important or serious than it is in reality.

Text-based

evocative

adj.

bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind

taboo

adj.

prohibited or restricted by social custom

benevolence

n.

the quality of being well meaning; kindly

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Standards


  • RL.9-10.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).
  • RL.9-10.6 — Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.9
W.9-10.10

Next

Analyze how Adichie uses anecdotes to convey the danger of a single story.

Lesson 2
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