Feminism and Self-Respect in Sula

Lesson 6
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ELA

Unit 8

10th Grade

Lesson 6 of 21

Objective


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

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor  pp. 24 – 29 — “A week later...another place to love.”

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Gloria Naylor use literary techniques to reveal Mattie Michael’s character and perspective? 

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Annotation Focus

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

Scaffolding Questions

What are the reasons for Mattie’s move to Asheville, North Carolina? What is her attitude towards the past? What words and phrases reveal her tone? 

What is her attitude towards her new circumstances? What words and phrases reveal her tone? 

In their conversation, Mattie and Etta discuss having children. What is Mattie’s perspective on children? What is Etta’s perspective on children? How do their perspectives compare/differ?

The rat biting Basil on the cheek in the boarding house is a pivotal moment. Why is this image significant? What does it reveal about Mattie’s relationship with her son? What does it reveal about Mattie’s character? 

Discourse Questions

How does Gloria Naylor use literary techniques to characterize Mattie Michael?

What are Mattie’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. 

  • 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
W.9-10.2

Next

Explain Deborah Tannen’s line of reasoning in “There Is No Unmarked Woman” by identifying relevant claims and clearly explaining connections among them.

Lesson 7
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