Sula by Toni Morrison

Instructions

Toni Morrison’s novel covers many decades and many subjects, from one family’s story of loss and suffering to questioning society’s moral code of right and wrong. The book is named after Sula, because she is the woman who forges her own moral code and lives a life not governed by society’s rules and limitations. Sula forms her core through her childhood experiences, such as overhearing her mother say she does not “like her,” and leaving home for 10 years to travel and go to college, like no other woman in the Bottom. Morisson calls her a “New World Woman” because she rejects the old way of life based on the golden rule: being good to others so they are good to you. Sula does not attach strings to her good actions, and does not expect others to do good by her in return. She lives for herself and does not blame others for her unhappiness. As such, she is an inspiration.

But it is Nel who is a more dynamic character, as she starts out living as all the other women in town, but has to revise her way of life when she is tested by her life falling apart. The book does not with Sula’s death because Nel still has some growing to do. Please describe Nel’s change that takes place after Jude betrays her and she has to rebuild her life. What does she need to realize and strengthen in her life?  What must she learn from Sula? As usual, support with quotations.