Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Subject: English Literature, African American Literature

Grade Level: 11-12 (due to mature themes and complexity)

Time Allotment: 4-6 weeks

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to analyze the themes of racism, internalized racism, and beauty standards in American society.
Students will be able to identify and interpret key literary devices used by Morrison, such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and shifting perspectives.
Students will be able to analyze the characters' motivations, actions, and the psychological effects of racism on their identities.
Students will be able to evaluate the portrayal of childhood innocence and its loss in a racially charged environment.
Students will be able to discuss the novel's contribution to African American literature and its exploration of the Black experience in America.

Materials:

Lesson Procedures:

Week 1: Introduction and Race in America

Brainstorming: Begin by asking students what they know about racism and its impact on society. Elicit responses and discuss the concept of racial identity and beauty standards.
Toni Morrison and African American Literature: Introduce Toni Morrison as a prominent African American writer and "The Bluest Eye" as a powerful exploration of race, identity, and desire.

Weeks 2-3: Fragile Innocence and Yearning

Reading and Analyzing: Divide the novel into manageable sections. After each section, students engage in close reading activities, focusing on character development, plot progression, and the themes of racial identity and self-worth.
Pecola Breedlove: Analyze Pecola's character as a symbol of innocence lost and the damaging effects of internalized racism. How do her desires for blue eyes reflect a longing for societal acceptance?
Shifting Perspectives: Discuss the use of multiple narrators and their perspectives on race and beauty. Consider how Claudia's voice critiques societal norms and offers a glimpse of hope.

Weeks 4-5: The Cycle of Trauma and Resilience

Character Analysis: In small groups, students analyze the characters' motivations and the ways they cope with racism and internalized oppression. Consider characters like Pauline Breedlove, Cholly, and Frieda.
Symbolism and Foreshadowing: Analyze Morrison's use of symbolism (e.g., the marigolds) and foreshadowing to enhance the themes and create a sense of unease. Consider images depicting racial stereotypes and beauty standards (optional).
Loss and Resilience: Discuss the portrayal of childhood trauma and the different ways characters react to racism and despair. Consider Claudia's act of defiance and the possibility of finding strength in community.

Week 6 (Optional):

Creative Response: Students can choose a creative response activity, such as writing a diary entry from a different character's perspective, creating a collage representing Pecola's desires and frustrations, or writing a poem from the perspective of the marigolds.
Essay Writing: Students write an essay analyzing a specific theme or symbol in the novel and its significance. The essay should consider Morrison's use of narrative voice, symbolism, and character development to support their analysis.

Differentiation:

Provide pre-reading activities, chapter summaries, or audiobooks for struggling readers.
Offer extension activities for advanced readers, such as researching the history of racial beauty standards or comparing "The Bluest Eye" with other works of African American literature focusing on racism.
Modify assignments to cater to different learning styles (e.g., visual learners can create a timeline of key events or a family tree depicting the characters' relationships)

Assessment:

Extension Activities:

Students can research the concept of internalized racism and its psychological effects.
Students can watch films that explore themes of racism and self-worth.
Students can explore the works of other African American writers and compare their portrayal of race and identity.