Feminism and Self-Respect in Sula

Lesson 19
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ELA

Unit 3

10th Grade

Lesson 19 of 21

Objective


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. 

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  — Part 2

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Target Task


Discourse Questions

  • How does Morrison depict Sula’s death as ironic? What does Sula’s death reveal about the community of the Bottom? Nel? Sula herself? Ultimately, what meaning does Morrison convey through Sula’s death? 
  • From the beginning Sula is perceived as evil by the residents of the Bottom whereas Nel is perceived as innocent. 
    • What are the roots of Sula’s “evil”? How does her “evil” impact the town when she returns? 
    • Which of the two characters is more evil? Which of the two characters is more good? Why? 
       

Criteria for Success

  • Speaking: Speak clearly and uses discipline appropriate language
  • Argument: Share an original and sophisticated argument based on knowledge from the texts in the unit
  • Evidence: Present evidence that is specific, detailed, relevant, and cited from the text
  • Preparation: Come to seminar adequately prepared with annotated texts and outlined potential responses and questions
  • Discourse: Respond to the ideas or your classmates rather than sharing what you have prepared

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.
  • 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 1.3B
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
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