Feminism and Self-Respect in Sula

Lesson 18
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ELA

Unit 3

10th Grade

Lesson 18 of 21

Objective


Analyze how Morrison portrays the complex relationship between Ajax and Sula.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 125 – 137 — Part 2

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Target Task


Discourse Questions

  • How does Morrison use figurative language to describe Sula’s feelings for Ajax? What do these “layers” suggest about Sula’s character development? 
  • Morrison uses symbols to reveal Ajax and Sula’s complex relationship. What is the symbolic significance of the ribbon? Of the license? What do these symbols inform us about Sula’s character? To what extent does Sula become the traditional woman (i.e. the women in Nel’s family)? 
  • Through Sula and Ajax’s complex relationship, what social commentary on gender and relationships does Morrison make?
     

Criteria for Success

  • Speaking: Speak clearly and uses discipline appropriate language
  • Argument: Share an original and sophisticated argument based on knowledge from the texts in the unit
  • Evidence: Present evidence that is specific, detailed, relevant, and cited from the text
  • Preparation: Come to seminar adequately prepared with annotated texts and outlined potential responses and questions
  • Discourse: Respond to the ideas or your classmates rather than sharing what you have prepared

Homework


Watch and take note of Beyonce’s visual album Lemonade. You may reference the lyrics to her song while watching. 

  • Annotation Focus: What does Lemonade teach us about being a black woman? About feminism? About expectations for women who are in relationships with men? About friendships among black women? 

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Standards


  • LO 1.2B — Explain how the rhetorical features of an argument contribute to its effect and meaning.
  • LO 1.4B — Synthesize ideas from multiple texts and explain how the texts may convey different perspectives on a common theme or idea.
  • RI.9-10.3 — Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.

Supporting Standards

LO 1.3B
LO 2.2A
LO 2.2B
LO 2.2C
LO 5.1A
LO 5.1B
RL.9-10.1
RL.9-10.2
SL.9-10.1
W.9-10.2
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Lesson 17

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Lesson 19

Lesson Map

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