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

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

“The Scramble for Africa: A History of Independence” — (00:00–10:38)
“How to Write About Africa”

Standards

RI.9-10.2RI.9-10.4RI.9-10.6

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

“TED Talk: The Danger of a Single Story”

Standards

RI.9-10.2RI.9-10.6

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

Purple Hibiscus — pp. 1 – 16, "Breaking Gods: Palm Sunday" and pp. 19–26, "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.5

Analyze how Adichie develops the motifs of silence and speech through certain key scenes in the novel.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 27–51 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.6

Analyze how Adichie develops the reader's understanding of the impacts of colonialism in Nigeria.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 52–70 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3

Analyze how Adichie uses foils when introducing Aunty Ifeoma and her children.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 71–88 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.6

Apply the characteristics of postcolonial literature to a poem and Purple Hibiscus.

“They Don't Love You Like I Love You”
Purple Hibiscus pp. 52–88 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.6

Analyze how Adichie uses characterization and imagery to develop themes about religion.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 89–109 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4

Analyze the mood of Aunty Ifeoma's home and compare it with Papa's home.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 110–139 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4

Discussion

Learn about Fela Kuti and his political resistance, and analyze one of his songs for its message.

“Water No Get Enemy”
“Coffin for Head of State”
“Sorrow Tears and Blood”
“Beasts of No Nation”

Analyze how Adichie develops themes about corruption.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 140–161 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3

Analyze Kambili's changing views about religion.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 162–182 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.6

Analyze how Adichie uses characterization, motifs, and structure to develop themes.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 182–205 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.2RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.5

Writing

Overview

Write a short response that argues how one motif, or two related motifs, develops Kambili or Jaja's character.

Day 1 - Brainstorming

Generate ideas about how one motif, or two related motifs, develop a character in Purple Hibiscus and write a thesis statement.

Writing Prompt and Rubric Handout (G10, U2, L14)
Purple Hibiscus Motif Tracker (G10, U2) — Filled in from previous lessons
Literary Analysis Brainstorm Graphic Organizer (G10, U2)

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4W.9-10.1.aW.9-10.1.bW.9-10.1.dW.9-10.5

Day 2 - Planning

Outline a short literary analysis response including a thesis statement, topic sentences, evidence, analysis, and a last sentence.

Day 3 - Drafting/Language Lesson

Literary Analysis Brainstorm Graphic Organizer (G10, U2) — Completed on Day 1
Literary Analysis Outline (G10, U2, L14)

Standards

W.9-10.1.aW.9-10.1.bW.9-10.5

Draft a literary response, using participial phrases to add detail and variety to sentences.

Literary Analysis Outline (G10, U2, L14)

Standards

L.9-10.1.bW.9-10.4W.9-10.5

Analyze how Adichie uses motifs, symbolism, and characterization to convey a sense of hope.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 206–229 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4

Analyze how Adichie develops conflicts and foreshadows the events of Palm Sunday.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 229–253 — "Speaking With Our Spirits: Before Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.5

Analyze the climax of Purple Hibiscus.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 257–291 — "The Pieces of Gods: After Palm Sunday"

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4RL.9-10.5RL.9-10.6

Analyze how Adichie uses mood and motifs to depict the aftermath of Papa's death.

Purple Hibiscus pp. 295–307 — "A Different Silence: The Present"

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4

Assessment

Socratic Seminar

Engage in a Socratic seminar about Purple Hibiscus by supporting arguments with strong textual evidence.

Purple Hibiscus

Standards

SL.9-10.1.aSL.9-10.1.bSL.9-10.1.cSL.9-10.1.dSL.9-10.4

Writing

Overview

Write a literary analysis essay.

Day 1 - Brainstorming

Plan the final body paragraph of a literary analysis and revise a thesis statement.

Performance Task Writing Prompt and Rubric Handout (G10, U2, L20)
Purple Hibiscus Motif Tracker (G10, U2) — Filled in from previous lessons
Literary Analysis Brainstorm Graphic Organizer (G10, U2)

Standards

RL.9-10.3RL.9-10.4W.9-10.1.aW.9-10.1.bW.9-10.1.dW.9-10.5

Day 2 - Drafting

Draft an introduction and conclusion paragraph for a literary analysis essay.

Standards

W.9-10.1.aW.9-10.1.e

Day 3 - Revising

Revise a literary analysis essay for concision and flow.

Transitions and Participial Phrases Practice Sheet (G10, U2)
Participial Phrase Bank (G10, U2, L20)

Standards

L.9-10.1.bW.9-10.1.cW.9-10.5

Day 4 - Peer Review

Provide feedback on a peer's writing and then use peer feedback to improve one's own writing.

Performance Task Writing Prompt and Rubric Handout (G10, U2, L20)
Guide to Effective Feedback Handout (G9–12)

Standards

L.9-10.1.bW.9-10.1W.9-10.4W.9-10.5