Sula by Toni Morrison Analysis
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Questions and Answers

What is the age difference among the Dewey boys mentioned in the text?

  • They are all the same age.
  • The age difference is 3 years. (correct)
  • The age difference is 4 years.
  • The age difference is 2 years.

    • How does Eva feel about the men in her life?

  • She dislikes them and expresses contempt.
  • She is critical of their behavior without affection.
  • She loves them and has many gentlemen callers. (correct)
  • She is indifferent towards them.

    • What does Hannah prioritize in her relationships with men?

  • Long-term stability and security.
  • Emotional attachment and commitment.
  • Superficial connections without any intimacy.
  • Physical pleasure without emotional demands. (correct)

    • What does Morrison express as a primary concern in her writing?

    <p>The challenges facing the black writer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What nickname does Eva bestow upon Tar Baby?

    <p>Tar Baby</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which question reflects the themes explored in Morrison's work regarding black women?

    <p>What are the choices available to black women?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What insight does Sula gain from observing her mother Hannah?

    <p>Sex is frequent but otherwise unremarkable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Plum's situation upon returning from the war?

    <p>He seems troubled and resembles Tar Baby.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of freedom is emphasized by Morrison in relation to women?

    <p>Sexual freedom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What cultural elements does Morrison incorporate into her narrative style?

    <p>Folk language and vernacular</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the community view Hannah's relationships with men?

    <p>They defend her and respect her choices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What motivates Tar Baby's desire for solitude?

    <p>He is intent on drinking himself to death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Bottom in the context of Morrison’s narrative?

    <p>It represents the loss of black culture over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of 'the bottom of heaven' represent?

    <p>The ironic juxtaposition of expectations and reality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What theme is suggested by the gathering of single mothers that Morrison references?

    <p>Isolation is a common struggle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What underlying message does Morrison convey about independence?

    <p>Self-salvation is vital for personal growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What kind of materials were used to make the dress described?

    <p>Brown wool and velvet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Nel's reaction to the men's gaze during the train ride?

    <p>She resolved to ensure no man ever looks at her that way.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What discomfort did Nel and her companions face when they arrived in Birmingham, AL?

    <p>They had to use public restrooms that were not designated for their race.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Nel feel about her mother's presence when they were at Cecile Sabat's house?

    <p>Horrified and sad.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Nel remember of her trip at night when reflecting on her experiences?

    <p>Her emerging sense of identity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What infamous rumor about Eva Peace is mentioned in the content?

    <p>She lost her leg under a train for financial gain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of relationship does Nel have with her friend Sula?

    <p>Sula makes Nel's home feel more welcoming.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which family member of Eva Peace is mentioned as not being one of the few who remember her with two legs?

    <p>Hannah</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Sula seek through her sexual encounters?

    <p>Misery and sorrow</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Ajax's relationship with his mother influence his interactions with Sula?

    <p>He is reminded of his childhood.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What gift does Ajax regularly bring to Sula?

    <p>Milk in a glass bottle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event causes Nel to feel anxious during the funeral?

    <p>She thinks the sheriff or Reverend will accuse them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symbolizes the connection between Nel and Sula after Chicken Little's burial?

    <p>The laughter and memories of Chicken Little.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Sula feel during her sexual encounters with Ajax?

    <p>She tries to maintain a sense of order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Ajax's notable familial connection?

    <p>His mother is an evil conjure woman.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Eva respond to Hannah's question about love?

    <p>By expressing her lack of love openly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unusual action do the Deweys take when they visit Sula in bed?

    <p>They request medicine.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Hannah's significant question regarding Plum?

    <p>What did Eva feel about killing him?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Sula wonder about Ajax that indicates her feelings of possession?

    <p>If he will come to her again.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Eva recall when she closes her eyes after discussing Plum?

    <p>The labor pains of giving birth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Ajax do that leads to his arrest?

    <p>He caused a car accident.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Sula do that irritates Hannah during the chaotic moments at home?

    <p>She creates a mess in the kitchen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What omen does Hannah associate with her dream in the red bridal gown?

    <p>A wedding she hopes to have.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the strange wind signify for Sula when she wakes Hannah?

    <p>A change in their fortunes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What symbolizes good luck and new beginnings upon Sula's return to Medallion?

    <p>A plague of robins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the people of Medallion react to Sula's return, as indicated in her arrival?

    <p>With a mix of acceptance and hostility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Nel appreciate about Sula's presence when she returns?

    <p>The depth of their friendship</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Sula do in response to Eva's condition?

    <p>Has Eva put away</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the conversation between Sula and Nel, what realization does Nel come to about Sula?

    <p>Sula is still the same friend she once knew</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Sula state about Jude's life when he shares his work experience?

    <p>It looks good in her perspective</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a central theme depicted in Sula's return as indicated by her effect on Nel's life?

    <p>Enhanced self-awareness and joy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Eva do when Sula first approached her?

    <p>Sat with her back to the window, indicating rejection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Foreword

    • The author feels embarrassed to be called a politically-minded writer.
    • She channels creativity toward social issues, which causes concern.
    • Literature should be judged on characters' morals according to whether they "get black people right".
    • Morrison's writing is motivated by her own political and aesthetic sensibility.

    Part One

    • The Bottom neighborhood is described as a place of destruction and loss of culture.
    • Music, laughter, and pain are part of the community's past.
    • The "joke" that originated the Bottom is described as a humorous observation about its location, "the bottom of heaven.”
    • The story centers around Shadrack and Sula of the Bottom community.
    • The historical context of 1919 includes significant events, such as National Suicide Day.

    Part Two

    • Nel's wedding takes place in the 1920s.
    • The characters face social and personal conflicts.

    Part Three

    • Characters like Sula and Nel face social conflicts in the 1920s.
    • Relationships such as friend-ships, romantic relationships, family relationships and societal issues are explored
    • Their actions and interactions reveal individual choices, and the constraints of their community.
    • Many historical events from the 1920s and 1930s are mentioned.

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    Description

    Explore the themes, characters, and historical context of 'Sula' by Toni Morrison. This quiz delves into the narrative of the Bottom community, focusing on characters like Sula and Nel, and the societal challenges they face throughout the story. Test your understanding of the literary elements that define Morrison's work.

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