Description
“The Flowers” by Alice Walker is a deceptively simple yet haunting short story that leaves a lasting impact on students. In fewer than 600 words, Walker tells the story of Myop, the young daughter of Black sharecroppers, whose innocent walk through the woods turns devastating when she discovers the remains of a lynched man. The story’s abrupt shift from beauty to horror makes it a powerful text for exploring loss of innocence, racial violence, and historical context.
Despite its short length, “The Flowers” is rich with literary devices and layered meaning, making it ideal for close reading and deep analysis. Students are challenged to look beyond the surface and examine how Walker uses language, imagery, and structure to convey a profound message.
In this lesson, students begin with a before-reading journal prompt that encourages reflection and prepares them for the story’s themes. As they read, students complete reading comprehension questions that guide understanding of plot and character. They then engage with a literary analysis graphic organizer that focuses on point of view, foreshadowing, imagery, figurative language, theme, symbolism, plot structure, diction, and historical context.
After reading, students complete a constructed response centered on juxtaposition and theme, followed by an after-reading activity that invites personal connection and reflection. A complete teacher guide and answer keys are included to support instruction and assessment.
Student materials are provided in both PDF (ready to print) and editable Word document formats, allowing teachers the flexibility to modify the lesson as needed. This resource works well for middle school or high school ELA and is especially effective in units on African American literature, symbolism, theme, and social justice, or during Black History Month.