The Bluest Eye

Lesson 11
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 7

9th Grade

Lesson 11 of 30

Objective


Explain how Morrison uses symbolism to convey theme in this chapter.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison  pp. 47 – 58

Fishtank Plus

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

Target Task


Writing Prompt

 “…see a little black girl? Nothing in his life even suggested that the feat was possible, not to say desirable or necessary.” 

Explain how Morrison uses the symbol of sight to convey the theme of beauty in this quotation. 

Key Questions


  • What have blue eyes symbolized thus far in the novel?
  • In these pages, their symbolism will grow to include our sight and perception of others and ourselves.
  • What is the difference between real beauty and imagined beauty? What about ugliness? How does this relate to perspective/sight?
  • Use dandelions and flowers/weeds discussion on p. 47 to talk about perspective. Also, have students recall the symbolism of flowers (growth, rebirth, beauty).
  • Track the author’s use of diction related to eyes and sight: "see", "eyes", "images", "saw", "looks", "vision", "retina", "view", "eyes", "glance", "seen", "view". (pp. 47-49)
  • p. 48: Closely read the paragraph beginning “She pulls off her shoe…”, tracking the diction related to sight and its symbolic use.
  • How does Pecola’s perspective on the dandelions change after her interaction with the shopkeeper? Why?
  • What is the significance of this line, “His nails graze her damp palm”?
  • Why does Pecola feel shame while she is in the shop?
  • Morrison juxtaposes Pecola’s feelings of her own ugliness with her belief in the beauty of Mary Jane. What is Morrison communicating about Pecola through this juxtaposition?
  • How does Morrison use the characters of China, Poland, and Miss Marie to add to the theme of beauty/ugliness (of both physical appearance and actions)? How do they treat Pecola? How does she feel when she is around them?
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 10

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 12

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?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free