Sula (2021)

Lesson 7
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ELA

Unit 16

10th Grade

Lesson 7 of 31

Objective


Describe the Peace women’s views on men and explain the larger theme this reveals. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 35 – 45

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Explain the Peace women’s views on men. Why do they feel this way? How could it potentially be harmful?

Are the Peace women “bad” women? Or are they just not conforming to gender norms? If they were men would they be considered “bad?”

Key Questions


pp. 35–37 review questions:

  • How does Eva feel before BoyBoy’s return visit? Why is this? 
  • What verb does Morrison use to describe how BoyBoy approached the steps? What does her deliberate use of this verb show about him?
  • How does their conversation begin? 
  • How and why do Eva’s emotions change on p. 36? 
  • Based on the information on p. 38, what impact did Boy Boy’s visit have on Eva’s life?

pp. 38–45

  • What has Eva bequeathed to her daughters? Why?
  • Why do men find Eva so enchanting?
  • What is Hannah’s view on sex? Why is this problematic? 42–43
  • Why doesn’t Hannah like being in her bedroom? 43
  • What are Hannah’s fears? 43–44
  • According to p. 44, why won’t Hannah settle down?
  • Why do the “good” AND “bad” women both hate Hannah?

Notes


  • Begin class with a review of pp. 35–38, BoyBoy’s visit back. This section is key in understanding how Morrison portrays men throughout the novel. 
  • This section continues to explore the views on men. It is important to ask students if genders were swapped, would we judge men for living as the Peace women do? This can help lead students to explore sexism in the novel.
  • Hannah’s views on sex will also later impact Sula.
  • Assign pp. 49–53 for homework.

Next

Analyze what Morrison’s use of diction reveals in this scene. Debate Eva’s motives.

Lesson 8
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