Feminism and Self-Respect in Sula

Lesson 18
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ELA

Unit 8

10th Grade

Lesson 18 of 21

Objective


Analyze how Morrison portrays the complex relationship between Ajax and Sula.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 125 – 137 — Part 2

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Target Task


Discourse Questions

  • How does Morrison use figurative language to describe Sula’s feelings for Ajax? What do these “layers” suggest about Sula’s character development? 
  • Morrison uses symbols to reveal Ajax and Sula’s complex relationship. What is the symbolic significance of the ribbon? Of the license? What do these symbols inform us about Sula’s character? To what extent does Sula become the traditional woman (i.e. the women in Nel’s family)? 
  • Through Sula and Ajax’s complex relationship, what social commentary on gender and relationships does Morrison make?
     

Homework


Watch and take note of Beyonce’s visual album Lemonade. You may reference the lyrics to her song while watching. 

  • Annotation Focus: What does Lemonade teach us about being a black woman? About feminism? About expectations for women who are in relationships with men? About friendships among black women? 

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Standards


  • LO 1.2B — Explain how the rhetorical features of an argument contribute to its effect and meaning.
  • LO 1.4B — Synthesize ideas from multiple texts and explain how the texts may convey different perspectives on a common theme or idea.
  • RI.9-10.3 — Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.

Supporting Standards

LO 1.3B
LO 2.2A
LO 2.2B
LO 2.2C
LO 5.1A
LO 5.1B
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.1
W.9-10.2

Next

Analyze the paradox of Sula’s evil and the impact it has on the residents of the Bottom.

Examine the ironic nature of Sula’s death and analyze the significance her death had on the community of the Bottom. 

Lesson 19
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Lesson Map

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