Comedy, Taming, and Desirability in The Taming of the Shrew

Lesson 2
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ELA

Unit 17

9th Grade

Lesson 2 of 20

Objective


Analyze how Toni Morrison uses symbolism and contrast to develop a critique of American beauty standards.

Explain how Morrison’s critique of American beauty standards connects to ideas around desirability.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison  pp. 19 – 23

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Toni Morrison use symbolism and contrast to develop a critique of
American beauty standards? 

Sample Response

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Key Thinking


Annotation Focus

What lines, words, and phrases reveal Morrison’s use of literary elements?

What lines, words, and phrases reveal Morrison’s critique of beauty standards?

Scaffolding Questions

How does Morrison describe Shirley Temple in this section?

How does Morrison describe Pecola and Claudia in this section? 

How does Morrision describe American beauty standards in this section?

Discourse Questions

Why does Morrison choose to use milk and Shirley Temple as symbols? What is the impact of those symbols?

What impact does the media and popular culture have on a teenager’s self-confidence? 

How does Morrison’s critique of American beauty standards connect with ideas around desirability?

Homework


Read and annotate pages 62–64 of The Bluest Eye through the following annotation focus.

  • Annotation focus: What are your first impressions of Maureen Peel?

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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.9-10.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).

Supporting Standards

LO 2.3A
LO 2.3B
LO 2.3C
LO 5.1A
LO 5.1B
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
RL.9-10.3
SL.9-10.1
W.9-10.2

Next

Analyze Toni Morrison’s purpose for Maureen Peal in her critique of American desirability standards and colorism. 

Lesson 3
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Lesson Map

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