Section 3: Overview

Point of View

We will read Part 2 of the novel and analyze how Morrison’s use of narrative shift in character point of view is purposeful and carefully selected to help the reader experience each character’s thoughts and feelings, and we will determine how it influences how the reader responds to and engages with the story and characters. We will identify and analyze language use and evaluate how the author’s language choices and style contribute to character development.

• Lesson 1:

  We will preview the Section 3 Diagnostic and revisit the Central Question. We will closely read the first three pages of Part 2 as a class, analyzing how Toni Morrison’s use of language contributes to character development.

• Lesson 2:

  We will review the reading from the previous lesson. As a class, we will do a close read of the ice-skating scene, focusing on symbolism and how Morrison’s language choices establish atmosphere, mood, and meaning. We will then break up into smaller groups to do a close read of key scenes using a set of guiding questions to analyze the scene, events, character relationships, narrative point of view, use of literary devices, and potential meanings that are presented.

• Lesson 3:

  We will debrief the homework to gather initial thoughts, impressions, and questions before we break out into a jigsaw activity and close-read the four chapters that utilize the stream of consciousness writing technique. We will also read and analyze the poem “Runagate Runagate” by Robert Hayden and discuss both form and meaning in connection to Beloved.

• Lesson 4:

  We will revisit our homework reading and questions. We will read and explore the poem “If We Must Die” by Claude McKay, analyzing the poem’s language, structure, and meaning. We will connect the poem to the novel and form a claim about which character best connects to the message of the poem. Then, we will review the task and expectations for the Section 3 Diagnostic.

• Lesson 5:

  We will complete the Section Diagnostic by writing a narrative vignette that includes a narrative shift in point of view. We will work with peers to obtain feedback to help with revision.

• Lesson 6:

  We will review feedback on the Section Diagnostic. We will use the feedback to make revisions to our work.

• Lesson 7:

  We will share the understanding we have gained through our independent reading and continue to read our texts.