First listen to the song “Strange Fruit” sung by Billie Holiday, a famous blues singer, and look over the lyrics. Jot down ideas about the song.Then read Alice Walker’s story the “Flowers” and select one of the following discussion prompts. Refer to one or two elements of fiction in your response. Make sure to reply to two other students.
1. How does the song affect your interpretation of the story? Compare and contrast the summer imagery of Walker’s ‘flowers’ and ‘strange fruit.’
2. How does the story include past, present, and future? In your response include the song “Strange Fruit” as well as your interpretation of the story.
3. Imagine you were a teacher. At what age do you think it would be appropriate to teach this story to your students — and why? What would you most hope to get across to your to your class?
