Sula (2021)

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 16

10th Grade

Lesson 2 of 31

Objective


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

Explain how people in the Bottom view Shadrack.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 7 – 16

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

What does Morrison’s use of diction on p. 7 reveal about Shadrack’s mental state?

How does Morrison use diction to convey Shadrack's first outing to readers?

How has National Suicide Day evolved into the "fabric of life" in the Bottom? Explain.

Key Questions


pp. 7–10 review questions:

  • How does Morrison characterize Shadrack in the very first few sentences here?
  • How does Morrison use juxtaposition to describe Shadrack pre and post war?
  • Track details to describe Shadrack’s war experience. (physically and emotionally)
  • Track the specific diction Morrison uses to describe Shadrack’s food. Why is this? 
  • Shadrack has a connection to both Montag and Macbeth here. What is it? Why?
  • How is Shadrack treated in the hospital? 

pp. 10–16 review questions:

  • Why was Shadrack released from the hospital? 
  • How does Shadrack feel when he first leaves? Track specific diction Morrison uses that supports that hypothesis.
  • What verbs does Morrison use on p. 11 to describe Shadrack’s movements?
  • What misconception do others have about Shadrack? 
  • Why is Shadrack’s scene with his shoelaces significant on pp. 12–13?
  • What is the police’s response to finding the crying, struggling Shadrack on p. 13?
  • What is Shadrack’s only source of comfort? Why?
  • Why does Shadrack create National Suicide Day? 
  • What is National Suicide Day? 
  • How do the people of the Bottom react to it?

Notes


  • This lesson offers a chance at rigorous diction analysis. 
    • First, Morrison describes Shadrack’s food at the hospital as “grey” and “bloody,” similarly to how she described the carnage on the battlefield that Shadrack saw, indicating that Shadrack has been forever scarred by his experience. He wishes for the food to stay in its perfect place as he has seen such chaos in war.
    • Secondly, Morrison uses diction to convey Shadrack’s leaving the hospital as if it were an epic journey. Shadrack cannot navigate the orderly world as he is so used to the chaos of war.
    • Lastly, the people of the Bottom grow to accept Shadrack and his idiosyncrasies.

Next

Analyze and explain how Morrison characterizes Helene.

Lesson 3
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