Sula by Toni Morrison Analysis

A group of people who share a common culture, especially in terms of race or ethnicity.

A place often associated with poverty and hardship, but also with a rich history and strong sense of community.

A person who represents a challenge to societal norms, often through their unconventional behavior and beliefs.

The ability to make choices and act independently, often in the face of societal pressures.

The act of judging someone or something based on their outward appearance or behavior.

The complex interplay of emotions, especially those related to love, envy, and admiration.

The unique way in which Black writers express their experiences and perspectives.

The exploration of themes related to race, gender, and social justice through literature.

Sula's initial state of mind - she felt superior to others, had a 'one good-looking leg', and believed people looked up to her.

Sula's husband, characterized by womanizing, drinking, and abusive behavior.

Sula's children, named Hannah, Eva (nicknamed Pearl), and Ralph (nicknamed Plum).

Sula's financial situation after BoyBoy left - she had very little.

Sula's delayed reaction to BoyBoy's abuse - she chose to endure it for two years.

Sula's difficult time caring for her children and her financial struggles.

The event that prompted Sula's desperate act - Plum, her son, stopped having bowel movements, causing immense pain and suffering.

Sula's resolve to end Plum's suffering by manually removing the impacted stool.

Shadrack's mental state after experiencing the horrors of war. He is unable to process the trauma and feels deeply disconnected from the world.

Shadrack's declaration of a yearly 'National Suicide Day' on January 3rd, allowing individuals to end their lives or engage in violence.

Shadrack's unique method of coping with his trauma. He creates structure in his life by assigning a specific time and place for death, attempting to control his unpredictable reality.

The moment Shadrack sees his reflection in the toilet, he experiences a sense of acceptance and self-recognition.

Helene Sabat's childhood was shaped by her mother's wild nature and her grandmother's stern upbringing. She grew up fearing her own potential for 'wild blood'.

Helene's early marriage was a way to escape from her problematic family life. She married Wiley Wright at the age of 16 to gain independence.

Helene's repeated attempts to suppress her daughter Nel's spirit. She criticizes Nel's appearance and plans to physically alter her features.

While Helene's grandmother is dying, Helene feels conflicted between her desire to stay away and her sense of obligation to return to her family.

Sula and Nel's childhood friendship helps them overcome an incident where Nel is bullied. Sula even goes as far as injuring herself to protect Nel, showcasing their strong bond.

Sula and Nel are described as adventurous and curious, constantly seeking new experiences and exploring their surroundings, often together. This trait is highlighted by their frequent outings for ice cream and their exploration of the river.

The story mentions Hannah talking about child-rearing with Patsy and Valentine, revealing a central theme regarding the challenges and complexities of parenthood.

Sula and Nel go to the river, seeking out the boys who are swimming. Nel stays behind while Sula heads into the house, foreshadowing the tragic events that will unfold by the river.

The story highlights the symbolic action of digging and burying in the dirt, hinting at a potential tragedy and a sense of loss that might unfold.

Sula and Chicken Little are playing in a tree, leading to a tragic accident when Chicken falls into the river.

Shadrack is present at the scene of the accident, but doesn't directly intervene in the situation, only uttering the word 'always'. This ambiguous statement suggests that he is aware of the tragedy and its potential consequences.

The bargeman, who later reports Chicken Little's death, holds racist views and stereotypes; he assumes the parents drowned the child. Even though he's unaware of Black folks in the area, he blames the child's absence on their presence and stereotypes, highlighting the issue of racist assumptions.

Sula's return to Medallion is accompanied by a massive influx of robins, symbolizing rebirth, new beginnings, and potentially even good luck. However, the sheer number of birds makes the townspeople react with unease and even hostility

The citizens of Medallion accept the presence of evil and darkness, recognizing that it is an inherent part of life. They do not shy away from it, choosing instead to confront it directly, even through violence or ostracism.

Sula returns to Medallion dressed in a way that evokes the image of a glamorous movie star, highlighting her confidence and her distinct sense of self.

The characters in the story often engage in intense, heated exchanges, which reveal their true feelings and motivations. These conversations are marked by their intensity and the power dynamics they expose.

When Sula returns to Medallion, Nel feels a renewed sense of hope and energy, as if her life had been infused with magic. This demonstrates the profound impact that Sula has on those around her.

Sula assumes the role of guardian for her friend Eva, taking control of her life even against her will. This reflects Sula's strong-willed nature and her desire to protect those she cares about.

Sula's arrival brings a sense of happiness and joy to the community, evident in Nel's laughter and the children's delight. This contrasts with the initial unease of her arrival, showing how Sula's presence can have both positive and negative effects.

Sula's past actions, like taking charge of Eva's care, are revealed as impulsive and driven by fear. This demonstrates the consequences of acting rashly, even with the best intentions.

Sula's character is described as unconventional. She embraces her sexuality but uses sex as a way to seek out pain and sorrow, creating a sense of personal connection through her misery. This unconventional behavior challenges societal norms and makes her a complex and intriguing character.

Sula experiences a deep sense of melancholy and sorrow. She seeks out these emotions and uses sex as a way to experience them. This emotional depth makes her a tragic and relatable character.

The 17-year age gap between Sula and Ajax highlights the power dynamics and complexities of their relationship. Ajax, being older, holds a position of power and experience, which makes the relationship even more intriguing.

Ajax's character is described as a seemingly nice and charming man. He is kind to women and attracts their attention. However, this façade masks a deeper complexity, revealing a potential for trouble and hidden motives.

Ajax's mother is portrayed as a powerful and mysterious figure, a conjure woman with a distinct personality. Her influence over Ajax is significant and plays a role in shaping his character and understanding of relationships.

Ajax's fascination with airplanes reflects his desire for freedom and a yearning for something beyond his current reality. This desire for escapism becomes a key element of his character.

The interaction between Sula and Ajax is described as one of mutual understanding and intellectual connection. They see something in each other beyond superficiality, engaging in deep conversations that go beyond the usual interaction.

Sula's ability to connect with Ajax on a deeper level is highlighted. He expects brilliance from her and she delivers, showing intellectual prowess and an ability to engage with him fully. This mutual respect and intellectual exchange strengthens their bond.