Feminism and Self-Respect in Sula

Lesson 10
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ELA

Unit 3

10th Grade

Lesson 10 of 21

Objective


Analyze the techniques Morrison uses to reveal Helene’s character.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 17 – 21 — Part 1

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Morrison use literary techniques to reveal Helene’s character?

Criteria for Success

  • Thesis: Responds to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation
  • Evidence: Includes multiple and varied evidence to support your line of reasoning
  • Commentary: Explains how your evidence supports your line of reasoning (reason or claim used to support a larger thesis)
  • Sophistication: Demonstrates sophistication of thought or develops a complex literary argument  

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Annotation Focus

What lines, words, and phrases reveal Helene’s character? What is Morrison doing with language in these lines, words, and phrases? 

Scaffolding Questions

How does Morrison portray one of Helene’s central conflicts in the very first paragraph of the excerpt?

What is the Black people’s attitude toward Helene on the train? What lines, words, and phrases reflect this tone?

How and why is Helene transformed as the train moves South? 

Discourse Questions

How does Morrison use literary techniques to reveal Helene’s character?

What is Helen’s attitude towards marriage? In what ways does she reflect societal expectations for women? In what ways does she reject societal expectations for women? 

Homework


  • Read and annotate Part 2 of Sula, pages 88-174.
    • Annotation Focus: 
      • How does Sula and Nel’s relationship evolve? 
      • What are your first impressions of Sula’s relationship with the community of the Bottom? 

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Standards


  • LO 1.3B — Analyze how the writer's use of stylistic elements contributes to a work of literature's effects and meaning.
  • RL.9-10.3 — Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.

Supporting Standards

LO 1.3A
LO 2.3A
LO 2.3B
LO 2.3C
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.1
W.9-10.2
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Lesson 9

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Lesson 11

Lesson Map

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