Language in 'Sweetness'

In this lesson, we will be looking at Toni Morrison's use of language in 'Sweetness'. We will be thinking about how Morrison presents feelings towards Lula Ann, Sweetness' child, as well as practising how to write a piece of analysis on a small extract from the text. This lesson covers race and discrimination. If this is a sensitive topic to you, we recommend checking with a trusted adult before starting or doing the lesson with a trusted adult nearby.

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Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Q1.What does the term 'segregation' mean?

The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others. Unjust or harmful treatment of other people based on a perceived difference. Prejudice or discrimination against individuals who are dark skinned, typically, but not exclusively, among people of the same ethnic or racial group. A set of laws according to which a country is governed.

1/5

Q2.What does the term 'discrimination' mean?

The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others. Prejudice or discrimination against individuals who are dark skinned, typically, but not exclusively, among people of the same ethnic or racial group. Unjust or harmful treatment of other people based on a perceived difference. A set of laws according to which a country is governed.

2/5

Q3.What does the term 'colourism' mean?

A set of laws according to which a country is governed. The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others. Prejudice or discrimination against individuals who are dark skinned, typically, but not exclusively, among people of the same ethnic or racial group. Unjust or harmful treatment of other people based on a perceived difference.

3/5

Q4.What does the term 'constitution' mean?

Prejudice or discrimination against individuals who are dark skinned, typically, but not exclusively, among people of the same ethnic or racial group. Unjust or harmful treatment of other people based on a perceived difference. A set of laws according to which a country is governed. The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others.

4/5

Q5.Which pronouns indicate a writer is writing in the 'first person'?

I, we You He, she, it, they

5/5

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

Intro quiz - Recap from previous lesson

Before we start this lesson, let’s see what you can remember from this topic. Here’s a quick quiz!

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Q1.What does the term 'segregation' mean?

1/5

Q2.What does the term 'discrimination' mean?

2/5

Q3.What does the term 'colourism' mean?

3/5

Q4.What does the term 'constitution' mean?

4/5

Q5.Which pronouns indicate a writer is writing in the 'first person'?

I, we You He, she, it, they

5/5

Video

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This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

2 - Language in Toni Morrison's 'Sweetness'

Complete the quiz to find out how much you have understood from today's lesson:

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Q1.Which term is defined as 'the action or state of setting someone or something apart from others'?

Discrimination Segregation Colourism Prejudice

1/6

Q2.Which term is defined as 'unjust or harmful treatment of other people based on a perceived difference'?

Discrimination Segregation Colourism Prejudice

2/6

Q3.Which term is defined as 'prejudice or discrimination against individuals who are dark skinned, typically, but not exclusively, among people of the same ethnic or racial group'?

Constitution Colourism Racism Prejudice

3/6

Q4.What is a simile?

A comparison between two different things, usually made by stating something is something else. Giving human feelings and actions to an object or an idea. Where one uses ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare two different things and show a common quality between them.

4/6

Q5.Which statement best describes Louis' reaction to Lula Ann, the baby?

He feels a sense of devotion. He feels a sense of sadness. He feels a sense of love. He feels a sense of fear.

5/6

Q6.What is 'It broke our marriage to pieces' an example of?

Simile Metaphor Personification Third person narrative

6/6

This quiz includes images that don't have any alt text - please contact your teacher who should be able to help you with an audio description.

Quiz:

2 - Language in Toni Morrison's 'Sweetness'

Complete the quiz to find out how much you have understood from today's lesson:

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Q1.Which term is defined as 'the action or state of setting someone or something apart from others'?

Discrimination Segregation Colourism Prejudice

1/6

Q2.Which term is defined as 'unjust or harmful treatment of other people based on a perceived difference'?

Discrimination Segregation Colourism Prejudice

2/6

Q3.Which term is defined as 'prejudice or discrimination against individuals who are dark skinned, typically, but not exclusively, among people of the same ethnic or racial group'?

Constitution Colourism Racism Prejudice

3/6

Q4.What is a simile?

4/6

Q5.Which statement best describes Louis' reaction to Lula Ann, the baby?

He feels a sense of devotion. He feels a sense of sadness. He feels a sense of love. He feels a sense of fear.

5/6

Q6.What is 'It broke our marriage to pieces' an example of?

Simile Metaphor Personification Third person narrative

6/6

Lesson summary: Language in 'Sweetness'

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The next lesson in Sweetness by Toni Morrison is "A reflection on love and guilt in 'Sweetness'"

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