The Bluest Eye

Lesson 12
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 7

9th Grade

Lesson 12 of 30

Objective


Trace the characterization of Maureen Peal and explain how her character develops the themes of beauty and racism.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison  pp. 61 – 69

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Multiple Choice

The author, Toni Morrison, describes Maureen Peal’s braids as “two lynch ropes hanging down her back.” What does this simile convey?

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Writing Prompt

Metaphorically speaking, why is Pecola more susceptible to Maureen’s dangerous braids than Frieda or Claudia? Use evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • How does the narrator describe her own father? What diction does she use? Contrast this with Pecola's father, Cholly. How are the two men different?
  • Who is Maureen Peal? Track the diction that Morrison uses to describe Maureen Peal and her appearance.
  • How is she different than the other children? How do the other children feel about her? Again, track diction.
  • Is Maureen really "beautiful"? Explain.
  • How do Claudia and Frieda feel about her? Explain their conflicting feelings toward her, as well as how their feelings are different from most of the children.
  • How do the other children treat Maureen versus how they treat Pecola?
  • Why does Mr. Henry lie to the girls?
  • What do we learn about Mr. Henry as a person?

Next

Analyze Morrison’s characterization of Geraldine and Junior.

Lesson 13
icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free