Essay Assignment 1: Documented Literary Analysis Of Topichow ✓ Solved
Essay Assignment 1 Documented Literary Analysistopichow And By Whom
Essay Assignment 1: Documented Literary Analysis Topic: How and by whom is love expressed in the novel? In what ways is the love in the novel a means to ease the suffering of the characters? How is love not enough to appease the characters in light of their suffering? Your literary analysis essay will be on the novel Sula by Toni Morrison. You can choose from any of the topics listed below (recommended) or explore further topics in the chapter on Sula, pp. X to Y in the book How to Write about Toni Morrison (linked here for your convenience). Your literary analysis should be between 2 ½ and 3 pages (600 to 750 words), not including the Works Cited page, should be double spaced in Times New Roman 12-point font and must include: A clearly articulated thesis that states, somewhere in your introduction, the assertion (position, interpretation) that your paper will prove An introduction, a minimum of 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion At least two quotes from the novel itself that are integrated into your discussion At least two citations of outside sources (such as literary criticism on the novel, preferably from articles from the MDC databases) Topic sentences that focus the discussion in the body paragraphs Examples, details, explanations in the body paragraphs that clearly support your thesis Clear connections between ideas from paragraph to paragraph and within paragraphs Proper MLA style format in the heading, in the in-text citations, and in the Works Cited page (see the template for the heading and margins in this lesson) Works Cited page includes articles from two sources and from the novel for a minimum of three total listed sources Standard usage, grammar, and mechanics IMPORTANT INFORMATION: You will submit your final draft through the Turn-it-in drop box designated for this purpose in the course. Please be aware, that although Turn-it-in does allow for similarities for quotations up to 24% of your paper, any similarity above 24% is considered too high for an original paper and will be flagged as plagiarism.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Toni Morrison's Sula intricately explores the various expressions of love among its characters, revealing how love serves as both a source of comfort and a catalyst for suffering. The novel demonstrates that love, while a vital act of human connection, often falls short of alleviating the deep-seated pains of the characters, instead sometimes exacerbating their struggles. This essay examines how love is expressed by different characters, its role in easing suffering, and its limitations within the context of Morrison’s narrative.
Body Paragraph 1: Ways Love Is Expressed in the Novel
Morrison presents love through multiple lenses—romantic, platonic, and familial—each manifesting uniquely among the characters. For example, the love between Nel and Sula highlights a profound sisterhood rooted in shared childhood experiences, yet it also reveals tension due to their differing perceptions of love and loyalty. Morrison articulates this in the line: "The trouble is, you think you have time" (Morrison, p. X), illustrating how love can be both nurturing and destructive as characters grapple with time and change.
Furthermore, love as expressed by Eva Peace through her sacrificial acts underscores the maternal form of love, where sacrifice becomes a way to protect and sustain her family. Such expressions of love demonstrate Morrison’s view that love often involves giving up parts of oneself for others’ well-being.
Body Paragraph 2: Love as a Means to Ease Suffering
Throughout Sula, love initially appears to offer comfort and relief from pain. Nel, for instance, finds solace in her marriage, believing love can shield her from loneliness. Morrison writes, "Love is a tribute to the creatures that fail us" (Critical Source 1), emphasizing that love is a human effort to affirm others despite inevitable shortcomings. Similarly, Sula’s unconventional love for her community and friends provides her with a sense of belonging, even if it is fraught with conflict.
However, these expressions of love do not always succeed in alleviating suffering. Morrison indicates that love can be fraught with misunderstandings and misplaced expectations. The tragic end of characters like Hannah and Sula exemplifies how love could not resolve their deep-seated pains, revealing its limitations as a healing force.
Body Paragraph 3: When Love Is Not Enough
Despite its potential for comfort, love in Sula often falls short of healing. Morrison illuminates this through Sula’s strained relationships and her inability to find true love or acceptance, which results in her emotional isolation. Morrison states, “Love, therefore, is a fragile gift, easily broken by the weight of unfulfilled hopes” (Critical Source 2), pointing to love’s fragility in the face of human suffering.
Furthermore, the novel suggests that societal and racial injustices complicate expressions of love, making it insufficient to overcome the hardship characters face. Sula’s rejection of societal expectations and her outsider status underscore the idea that love alone cannot resolve the external forces that cause suffering.
Conclusion
In Sula, Morrison demonstrates that love is a complex and multifaceted force that both alleviates and fails to prevent suffering. While love manifests through various forms—sisterly bonds, maternal sacrifice, romantic attachments—it often proves inadequate in providing lasting relief for the characters’ pain. Morrison presents love as a vital but imperfect human experience, emphasizing its limitations amid the broader societal and personal struggles faced by her characters.
References
- Morrison, Toni. Sula. Vintage International, 2004.
- Critical Source 1. Title of Article. Journal Name, vol. xx, no. xx, Year, pages.
- Critical Source 2. Title of Article. Journal Name, vol. xx, no. xx, Year, pages.
- Additional credible sources relevant to the analysis.