Sula (2021)

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 16

10th Grade

Lesson 23 of 31

Objective


Analyze Nel’s true motives for visiting Sula on her death bed.

Debate which character was the “good” one.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 138 – 146

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

What do the first few paragraphs imply about Nel?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

What are Nel’s true motives in this scene? Explain.

Key Questions


  • How has Nel’s life been since Jude’s leaving? (138–139)
  • What does Morrison’s diction on p. 139 suggest about Nel’s appearance? 
  • Read the line from p. 139: “It hid from her the true motives for her charity.” What are Nel’s true motives here? 
  • Which best describes Nel and Sula’s first words to each other?
  • Why does Morrison include the description of the inside of Sula’s purse? 
  • What do you think Nel was about to ask? Why does she stop? 
  • What is ironic about the location of the drug store?
  • Why is Sula relieved to have Nel there according to p. 141?
  • How does Morrison create the mood for the conversation?
  • Why does Nel tell Sula she can’t do things? What does this reveal about social constructs at the time?
  • What is the difference between a man being “taken” and a man “leaving”? Which phrase do you think is best to describe Jude? Why?
  • How does Sula feel about her life?
  • How does Nel feel about Sula’s answer to her big question? Why is Sula unable to answer? 
  • What do Sula’s words on pp. 145–146 suggest about her feelings toward Medallion?

Notes


  • Nel is there to see Sula, yes, but she also wants closure. 
  • The discussion on who was the “good” one can happen during today’s lesson or can be made into its own lesson depending on the format. Either way, students should draw from events earlier in the text, not just the affair. 

Next

Explain how Morrison uses figurative language to describe Sula’s death. 

Lesson 24
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