The Color Purple Lesson Plan

Causing a Scene

Kind of Activity:

Classwide Discussion

Objective:

Students will be able to conduct a close reading and discussion of a pivotal scene in the novel.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.3

Structure:

Reread the scene after dinner at Odessa's house. You may choose to read it aloud or ask for volunteers to do so. Guide a discussion of the scene and its importance to the novel as a whole. Questions might include:

1. What characters exert their control in this scene? What do they do?

2. How does Albert try to dominate the conversation?

3. Why doesn't Sofia want to leave with Shug and Celie?

4. How does Walker bring humor into such a serious scene?

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