Purple Hibiscus Lesson Plan

Colonialism and Defiance

Kind of Activity:

Group Discussion

Objective:

To understand the colonial history of Nigeria and explain how it colors the novel.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1

Structure:

Split students into groups and have students consult two resources about the history of Nigeria: one, a Google Cultural Institute gallery about the colonial history of Nigeria, and two, an article about the colonial roots of Nigeria's current troubles. After students read these resources, they should discuss these comprehension questions:

• How did the British use abolishing the slave trade as a pre-text for bombarding...