The Bluest Eye

Lesson 23
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ELA

Unit 7

9th Grade

Lesson 23 of 30

Objective


Analyze what happens to Cholly when he meets his father, and to explain in what way Cholly is “free” and not free in these pages.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison  pp. 154 – 161 — Top of page

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

“It was in this godlike state that he met Pauline Williams.” (p. 160)

The phrase “godlike state” conveys what about Cholly’s character at this point in the story?

“As it was, he reacted to them, and his reactions were based on what he felt at the moment.” (p. 160)

What does this statement reveal about how Cholly’s childhood impacted the way he parented his own children?

Key Questions


  • On page 155, how does the author use juxtaposition to convey the difference between Cholly’s hopes and the reality of meeting his father? (use the lines beginning with “Cholly had always…” through”-What you want, boy?”)
  • How does Cholly feel after this interaction with his father? How do you know? (evidence) Why would he feel this way?
  • On page 158, Cholly goes to the river. What is the symbolism here telling us? (What might a river stand for?) If there is time, have students read or you reference the story of Jesus and John the Baptist (Mark 1:4-5) baptizing people in the River Jordan. This is a biblical allusion–rebirth, cleanliness, new life.

Next

Analyze Morrison’s purpose in including this scene at this point in the text.

Lesson 24
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Lesson Map

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