Feminism and Self-Respect in Sula

Lesson 5
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ELA

Unit 8

10th Grade

Lesson 5 of 21

Objective


Analyze the techniques that Zora Neale Hurston uses to characterize Janie. 

Readings and Materials


  • Excerpt: Their Eyes Were Watching God, Chapter 9 by Zora Neale Houston  pp. 89 – 91

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Zora Neale Hurston use literary techniques to reveal Janie’s complex perspective and character? 

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Annotation Focus

What lines, words, and phrases reveal Janie’s perspective and character? What is Hurston doing with languages in these lines, words, and phrases?

Scaffolding Questions

What context is provided in the beginning of the scene? What is the significance of it in this excerpt? 

What does the phrase “starched and ironed her face” suggest about Janie? In what way does this juxtapose with the context provided at the beginning of the scene?

What does the phrase “rollicking with the springtime” suggest about Janie?

In what ways does Janie become more self-aware? 

What details does the narrator provide about Nanny and Janie’s relationship? What do these details reveal about Janie’s attitude towards Nanny? What is the significance of Janie’s reflection about her relationship with Nanny?  

Discourse Questions

How does Zora Neale Hurston use literary techniques to reveal Janie’s complex perspective and character? 

What are Janie’s ideas about love, marriage, and relationships? To what extent are her ideas a reflection of society? A reflection of herself? 

Homework


Read and annotate Part 1 of Sula, pages 3-85 by Lesson 9.

  • Annotation Focus:
    • What are your first impressions of the Bottom? 
    • What are your first impressions of Sula? Does she have self respect?
    • What are your first impressions?

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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

Next

Analyze the techniques that Gloria Naylor uses to characterize Mattie Michael.

Lesson 6
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