Sula

A detailed Summary of Sula

Toni Morrison's Sula is a novel that has a theme about the nature of evil. The

story follows the lives of two black female friends who present differing views

on evil. On one hand, we have society's conventional view of evil represented

by the character of Nel and also seen in the Bottom's disapproval of Sula.

The other view of evil is seen through the character of Sula and through her

actions, which conflict with traditional society. The friendship of Sula and Nel

is how the author conveys her message about evil in the relationship. In the

relationship the two different conceptions of evil mix and create an essentially

neutral mixture. By looking at Nel's and Sula's friendship and the two

different views of evil that they have, the author shows us the subjective and

relative nature of evil and how friendship can overcome any evil. In the

Bottom, the dominant view of evil is society's conception. Its guidelines for

good and bad behavior can be seen through society's reaction to Sula. Her

return to the Bottom after being gone for ten years is greeted with the same

way one would greet a pest, a plague or an illness. The

Ignoring her opinion about Sula's actions with Jude, she longs for the Sula

began to...in general band together against the devil in their midst" (117-118).

accusation that "that Sula slept with white men"(112), offending the town's

negative view of her when it describes how Sula arrived "accompanied by a

this conception of evil her whole life, it is Nel who becomes the embodiment

would break down way society works, Sula's view of evil is based on a

reconcile in the end, as Nel realizes that what ultimately matters is their

Approximate Word count = 1928
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

join now Save Paper

Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

"Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
Jack M.
"With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
Brian P.
"I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
Sara J.
"I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
Rachel W.
"I love this site!!!"
Marie N.