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Sula Summary and Study Guide

Toni Morrison’s 1973 novel, Sula, is a profound exploration of friendship, identity, and social defiance. Set in the fictional neighborhood of 'The Bottom' in Ohio, the story follows the diverging lives of two women, Nel Wright and Sula Peace, as they navigate the expectations of their community.

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The Foundation of a Complex Friendship

The novel begins by introducing the history of The Bottom, a Black neighborhood located in the hills above a white valley town. The narrative centers on Nel and Sula, who become inseparable as children. Nel comes from a stable, conservative home, while Sula's household is chaotic and eccentric. Their bond is solidified by a traumatic event: the accidental drowning of a young boy named Chicken Little. They keep this secret between them, a choice that defines their relationship for years to come.

The Divergent Paths of Nel and Sula

As they enter adulthood, the two friends take very different paths. Nel conforms to the expectations of her community by marrying and becoming a devoted mother and wife. Sula, conversely, leaves Medallion for ten years, living an independent life in the city. When Sula returns, she is viewed as an outsider and a threat to the community's moral standards. Her refusal to follow social norms and her affair with Nel’s husband, Jude, lead to a bitter estrangement between the two women.

Social Outcast and Moral Ambiguity

Morrison uses Sula as a symbol of radical freedom that challenges the town’s rigid definitions of good and evil. The townspeople label Sula as a 'pariah,' blaming her for various misfortunes in the neighborhood. However, the novel suggests that Sula’s presence actually helps the community define its own morality. While Nel represents the safety of conformity, Sula represents the dangerous beauty of living entirely for oneself, regardless of the cost to others.

The Resolution and Eternal Bond

The final sections of the book deal with Sula’s illness and eventual death. Years after Sula passes away, Nel experiences a moment of clarity. She realizes that the profound sorrow she has carried was not for the loss of her husband, but for the loss of Sula. This ending highlights the central theme that the most significant relationship in these women's lives was their friendship, which transcended the traditional boundaries of family and marriage.

What is the significance of 'The Bottom'?

The Bottom is an ironic name for a neighborhood located on a hill. It originated from a trick played by a white farmer on a formerly enslaved man, representing the systemic injustices and the unique social landscape where the characters reside.

How does Sula differ from other literary protagonists?

Unlike traditional protagonists who seek redemption or social acceptance, Sula actively rejects community standards. She lives for her own experimental life, making her a complex figure who challenges typical notions of a 'heroine.'

What are the major themes in Sula?

The major themes include the nature of friendship, the definition of womanhood, the impact of racism and poverty on community, and the fluid boundary between good and evil.

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