Toni Morrison's "Sula"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the plot and main characters in Morrison's novel, which tells the story of the special friendship between two African-American women, Nel and Sula. "Sula" is set in the mainly conservative and primarily black community of Bottom, which becomes as much of a character in this novel, as Sula and Nel. This paper focuses on Morrison's use of race, gender and sexual themes, throughout this particular novel. This paper analyzes the characteristics of Sula, who unwittingly becomes a martyr for her community. The writer of this paper illustrates the various conflicts in the novel, which affect the members of the community, including Nel and Sula. This paper also delves into the class and race-related issues, which are key elements in Morrison's novel.

From the Paper:

"Nel reacted to her personal growing pains much as Bottom did. Just as Nel sacrificed the difficult duty of self-assertion through independence, so too did Bottom sacrifice the same type of self-assertion over Medallion. The inability of Bottom's residents to take a clear, decisive stand against Medallion demonstrates the difficulty by which communities can come together and respond to external or internal crisis. Comprised of different people with different personalities, beliefs, and worldviews, communities like Bottom do not necessarily fare well in times of crisis. Even though many of Bottom's residents united under common ethical, economic, and political causes, the collective attempt to dichotomize good and evil ultimately failed."

More papers on Toni Morrison's "Sula":

• Analytical Essay # 125292 : "Duality in Toni Morrison's Novels"
• Book Review # 104449 : "Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" and "Sula"
• Book Review # 119033 : "Dreams Deferred in Toni Morrison's "Sula"

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