Sula (2021)

Lesson 1
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ELA

Unit 16

10th Grade

Lesson 1 of 31

Objective


Explain how Morrison’s description of setting illustrates the main conflict between blacks and whites.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 1 – 6

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which central idea is true of the people of the Bottom according to p. 4?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

How does the description of the Bottom in the first chapter illustrate the struggle of black people and their relationship with white people in Medallion? Be sure to include the literary technique.

Key Questions


  • What does Morrison mean when she says, “it wasn’t a town, just a neighborhood” on p. 4?
  • What technique does Morrison use on p. 4 to describe the people of the Bottom? 
  • How did black people end up in “the Bottom?” 
  • What is the only small consolation for receiving the land they did? 
  • What diction does Morrison use on pp. 5 and 6 to describe life as it was in the Bottom?
  • Based on the diction used to describe the Bottom, why do you think the whites are now taking over? What does this reveal about race relations? 
  • How does Morrison build readers’ interest at the end of this chapter?

Notes


  • The opening chapter sets up a key conflict between blacks and whites in Medallion.
  • Morrison uses juxtaposition throughout: of the bottom and the town where the whites live, of the inner pain and outer visage of blacks.
  • It is important to acknowledge that the opening chapter is in the present and then the rest of the story flashes back.
  • Assign pp. 7–10 for homework.

Next

Explain how Morrison’s use of diction conveys Shadrack’s mental state postwar.

Explain how people in the Bottom view Shadrack.

Lesson 2
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Lesson Map

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