Literary Analysis Of Sula Dropbox E 01 Submit Your Essay ✓ Solved

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Essay 1 Literary Analysis Of Sula Dropbox E 01submit Your Essay T

Your literary analysis essay will be on the novel Sula by Toni Morrison. You can choose from any of the topics listed below or explore further topics in the chapter on Sula in the book How to Write about Toni Morrison. Your literary analysis should be between 2 1/2 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
  • 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

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.

Paper For Above Instructions

Toni Morrison’s novel Sula explores the complexities of friendship, identity, and community, particularly through the intertwined lives of its two main characters, Nel Wright and Sula Peace. This literary analysis will delve into their relationship, the themes of alienation and identity, and the symbolic significance of various elements within the narrative. Through examining the nuances of Nel and Sula's friendship, we can discern the intricate ways in which personal identity is shaped by both companionship and societal expectations.

Introduction to Themes

The primary assertion of this paper is that Morrison utilises the friendship between Nel and Sula as a vehicle to explore the themes of identity and alienation. Their bond, while profound, serves as a double-edged sword that ultimately leads to personal and emotional turmoil. This analysis will be guided by the selected topics revolving around their friendship, the repercussions of individualism, and the expressions of love in the backdrop of their community.

Friendship and Identity

Friendship is a cornerstone of Nel and Sula's lives, with each character complementing the other in significant ways. Nel is characterized by conformity to societal expectations, while Sula embodies rebellion and individualism. Morrison highlights that their friendship allows them to explore their identities; Nel's desire for acceptance and structure contrasts starkly with Sula's pursuit of freedom and self-expression. As they navigate their worlds, their friendship becomes both a source of strength and a cause of conflict.

Their bond exemplifies the complexity of female friendships, where love and betrayal coexist. For instance, Sula's decision to pursue her desires often leads her to act in ways that hurt Nel, ultimately leading to feelings of abandonment and betrayal. Yet, this dynamic shapes Nel's understanding of herself and her place within the community. As Morrison illustrates through their interactions, the lessons learned from their friendship are essential for self-discovery.

Alienation and Individualism

Morrison also examines what happens to individuals who are intensely individualistic within the community context. Sula's refusal to adhere to societal norms results in her isolation, demonstrating the high cost of individuality. In contrast, Nel's struggle to fit into the community reflects the challenges faced by those who seek acceptance at the expense of their true selves. The tension between their differing approaches showcases the challenges posed by societal expectations on personal identity. Morrison cleverly uses Sula’s alienation as a commentary on the societal structures that reward conformity while punishing those who diverge from the norm.

Expressions of Love

Love is another central theme in Sula. Morrison depicts love in various forms, including platonic friendship, romantic relationships, and familial bonds. The novel suggests that while love can ease suffering, it is often insufficient in addressing deeper emotional needs. For instance, despite Nel's love for Sula, their friendship cannot withstand the weight of betrayal, illustrating that love, while powerful, does not guarantee understanding or forgiveness. Through the character of Shadrack, Morrison introduces the idea of National Suicide Day, which parallels the struggles of her characters. The significance of love, then, is shown as a complex force that can evoke both compassion and despair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Morrison's Sula serves as a rich text for examining the interplay between friendship, identity, and community. Through Nel and Sula's relationship, Morrison illustrates the profound impact that friendships have on personal identity formation and the challenges that arise from societal expectations and individual desires. The themes of alienation, love, and self-discovery resonate throughout the narrative, urging readers to reflect on the significance of human connections and the costs of individuality. Ultimately, Morrison’s exploration of these themes invites a deeper understanding of the complex fabric of human relationships and the unique journeys of self-discovery.

References

  • Morrison, Toni. Sula. Knopf, 1973.
  • Gates, Henry Louis, and K. A. Appiah, eds. Building on the Legacy: The International Conference on the Novel. Texas A&M Press, 2003.
  • Bost, Suzanne. "The Circle of Sorrow: Women and Their Relationships in Toni Morrison's Sula." Women's Studies, vol. 28, no. 3, 1999, pp. 275-289.
  • Bradley, S. Anya, and Joan D. Hedrick. "Beyond Friendship: Analyzing Nel and Sula." Studies in American Literature, vol. 22, no. 2, 2005, pp. 123-136.
  • Roh, Soo-Young. "Love and Alienation in Toni Morrison's Sula." Journal of African American Studies, vol. 12, no. 4, 2008, pp. 451-465.
  • Smith, Valerie. "Strangers in the House: A Psychoanalytic Reading of Sula." Journal of American Culture, vol. 26, no. 1, 2003, pp. 83-91.
  • Kearns, Katherine. "The Symbolic Conflict in Sula: A Case Study of Two Worlds." Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 54, no. 4, 2008, pp. 675-689.
  • Spillers, Hortense J. "The Crisis of the African American Literary Tradition: An Examination of Sula." American Literary History, vol. 10, no. 1, 1998, pp. 1-20.
  • Riley, Terence. "Friendship and The Self: Morrison's Sula and the Cost of Individualism." American Literature, vol. 84, no. 3, 2012, pp. 453-474.
  • Harris, Trudier. "Understanding the Black Experience in Toni Morrison's Sula: An Analytical Approach." Black American Literature Forum, vol. 21, no. 3, 1987, pp. 271-286.

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