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

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 2

10th Grade

Lesson 2 of 24

Objective


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

Readings and Materials


  • Video: “TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

  • Transcript: “The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 

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Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

What examples of "single stories" can you think of in your personal life and/or in the world? According to Adichie, how can we avoid telling "single stories" about each other?

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Close Read Questions

What are "single stories"? Why are they dangerous? How does Adichie convey their danger through different anecdotes?

How does Wainaina's essay "How to Write About Africa" also show the danger of a single story?

Why is full and accurate literary representation of a people, culture, or country important for readers?

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

anecdote

a short story about a real incident or a person, typically told to make a point.

Text-based

patronizing

adj.

condescending; speaking down to others as if you are superior

abject

adj.

existing in a low state or condition

malign

v.

to speak about someone in a spitefully critical manner

Homework


  • Book: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  pp. 3 – 26

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • What is Papa's relationship with the Catholic religion?

  • How is Papa regarded by Father Benedict and other members of the parish?

  • What two things does Jaja do that makes Papa angry with him? How does Jaja respond each time when Papa questions him?

  • Why does Papa want his children to only speak English? What does Aunty Ifeoma say about Papa?

  • What items does Mama always polish? What happens to these items when Jaja talks back to Papa?

  • What does Kambili compare Jaja's defiance to?

  • What news does Mama tell Kambili at the beginning of the second section of the novel? What does Mama say about Papa when she shares this news with Kambili?

  • What is Jaja and Kambil's communication with each other like at the beginning of the second section?

  • What news does the Achike family hear on the radio? How does Papa respond to this news?

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Standards


  • RI.9-10.2 — Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
  • RI.9-10.6 — Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.

Supporting Standards

L.9-10.1
L.9-10.6
RI.9-10.1
SL.9-10.1
SL.9-10.6
W.9-10.9
W.9-10.10

Next

Analyze how Adichie uses characterization and structure to introduce the Achike family.

Lesson 3
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