Sula Thesis

Kevin Lee
Professor Erina Harris
English 102
12 April 2023
Final Essay
African American novel Sula by Toni Morrison, examines the complexities of existence in the town of Medallion. In the novel, two childhood friends named Nel Wright and Sula Peace face the difficulties of growing up in a society that is characterized by racism, poverty, and gender inequality. Sula, the protagonist of the book, has generated a lot of discussion among readers and critics as they claim Sula is perceived by some as a “monster” who brings ruin and disorder to the Medallion neighbourhood. They perceive her as a lady who disobeys social expectations, violates moral principles, and threatens the peace in the community. Others see Sula as a liberator who resists society’s

This point of view has its critics who claim that Sula is a self-centered, irresponsible character who lacks empathy for others and is driven only by her own needs. They mention her abandonment of her mother and grandmother, her thoughtless pursuit of sexual pleasure, and her involvement in Chicken Little’s demise as examples of her destructive characteristics. Furthermore, these critics argue that Sula’s rejection of traditional gender roles and moral norms undermines and endangers the social order in the Medallion neighbourhood. They claim that her behaviour is a factor in the collapse of families, the increase in crime and violence, and the degradation of the community’s moral foundation. For instance, Sula is viewed as a threat to the established social order when she eventually returns to Medallion after an extended absence. She is the subject of gossip and suspicion because of her reputation as a reckless woman who defies societal conventions and she is held responsible for the community’s difficulties. Additionally, those who view Sula as a destructive force say that she stands for a rejection of black community values. They contend that Sula’s rejection of moral and gender expectations is a violation of the fundamental values that make up black identity and culture. For example, when Sula rejects marriage and motherhood, she is seen as rejecting

On the one hand, I agree with the perspective that Sula is a cruel character who causes havoc and destruction in the Medallion community. She engages in behaviours that are often seen as immoral and deviant because she rejects normal social norms and disregards the limitations of conventional morality. For example, her sexual relationship with Jude, who is in a committed relationship with her friend Nel, can be interpreted as an act of betrayal and disrespect for the sanctity of marriage. Furthermore, her decision to let Chicken Little drown in the river can be seen as a sign of her blindness and indifference toward human life. On the other hand, I agree with the perspective that sees Sula as an image of liberation and freedom from gendered society’s restrictions. It is possible to see Sula’s rebellion as a crucial and encouraging act of resistance against the expectations that were placed on her as a Black woman in a white racist society. Her choice to leave Medallion and travel the globe might be seen as a rejection of the limited opportunities offered to Black women in her neighbourhood, as well as a desire for self-awareness and self-discovery. Furthermore, Sula’s bold act of confidence and self-love may be observed in her willingness to defy