Examples Of Masculinity In Sula By Toni Morrison

Men & Masculinity

Toni Morrison’s work continues to stand the test of time. Toni Morrison’s novel Sula (1973) follows the story of two black women, Nel and Sula, navigating men, sexuality, love, and heartbreak in Medallion, Ohio. Their friendship reaches a turning point when Sula sleeps with Nel’s husband, Jude. Despite the fact that both Sula and Jude betray Nel, Sula bears the brunt of scrutiny alone, while Jude’s reputation is left intact. This hypocrisy is in part rooted in toxic masculinity, where infidelity and sexual impulsiveness are commonplace. Toxic masculinity paints a caricature of masculinity that is characterized by detachment, dominance, and aggression. It relies on the notion that manliness is governed by rigid gender conformity. Morrison’s male characters, like Jude and Shadrack, exemplify traits of toxic masculinity throughout

The poems will convey the dangers of the harmful ideals of masculinity imposed on men. Moreover, they highlight how the lengths they go to maintain or reaffirm their masculinity are detrimental to themselves and the world around them. Some may argue over toxic masculinity’s legitimacy and reduce it to a trendy buzzword; however, Morrison parallels the real-world consequences of toxic masculinity and demonstrates how it damages women, society, and the self-image of men.

Toxic masculinity normalizes Jude’s infidelity and sexual impulsiveness. Male characters like Jude hurt their wives by cheating on them. When Morrison says, "You did, Jude. And if only you had not looked at me the way… you look at children when they come in while you are listening to Gabriel Heatter and break your train of thought" (Morrison 105). This quote demonstrates the toxic behavior Jude ascribes to disregard his marriage. Jude’s absence of shame or remorse for his actions highlights the mundanity of unfaithfulness. His indifference reveals how he perceives his wife. Instead