Theme: Sula
Every novel is written with a purpose. There is some meaning behind what was written and possibly something to learn from the words spoken on the pages. Theme is one way that authors can express what they want the reader to feel and get out of the book. In the novel Sula, Toni Morrison does just that, allowing the readers to become mesmerized by the story and recognize the many themes of her work. One of the most intellectual themes that can be found in Sula is the unbreakable bond of friendship between Sula Peace and Nel Wright.
Early on in the novel, Morrison introduces Sula and Nels friendship and shows that it changes the lives of both of the girls. In one of the early chapters, Morrison describes the change Sula brought into Nels life by explaining when Sula first visited the Wright house, Helenes curdled scorn turned to butter(Morrison 29). This line shows that before Sula, Nel dreaded her Mothers neatness and way of living. Once Nel befriended Sula, her life became easier to deal with and easier to enjoy. The claim of the impact of their friendship is seconded when Morrison writes so when they met, they felt the ease and comfort of old friends ( 52). This reveals that their friendship was not a normal friendship. Meeting each other changed them because it is not every day that you meet someone who you are completely comfortable around and makes you feel complete.
The theme of friendship is obvious when Morrison tells about the intense bond between Sula and Nel. This bond is shown when Sula chops off the tip of her finger saying, If I can do that to myself, what you suppose Ill do to you, (55), in order to protect Nel and herself from bullies. This shows the love between the two and the willingness to do anything for each other. Sula cut off her own finger without even thinking twice about it because Nel means so much to her. Again, when Sula accidently drowns a little boy in a river, they stick together, at first their hands where clenched together. They relaxed slowly until during the walk back home their fingers were laced in as gentle a clasp,(66) and get over the tragedy together. This brings to light the fact that even terrible disasters cannot separate them or ruin their friendship. They accept each other no matter what happens. Sula realizes this as she says Nel was the one person who had wanted nothing from her, who had accepted all aspects of her (119).
Most friendships include two people who, with their own thoughts and opinions, mesh to make happiness. This is not the case with Sula and Nel. Together, they made one person, one whole. This is shown when Nel is thinking to herself and says, Talking to Sula had always been a conversation with herself. (95). Only few people can have that deep of a connection. After Sula dies, Nel is walking and says Sula...Sula? All that time I thought I was missing Jude (174). This reveals the deep sorrow Nel has after Sulas death. Even after Sula sleeps with Nels husband Jude and Sula dies while they are supposedly not friends, Nel cries because she realizes that the hurt she was feeling was caused from being away from Sula. Without each other, they would have been miserable and empty. They found relief in each others personality. (53). Without the other, they would have been too much of one thing. Together they balanced out.
The theme of friendship is easily detected throughout Toni Morrisons novel Sula. Analyzing Nel and Sula, readers can see the power and intellect of their friendship. Through betrayal and tragedy, their friendship overcomes it all and stays strong. Readers can feel a connection to both characters as the girls use each other to live and be happy. Sula is another example of authors writing with a purpose.
Bibliography:
1. Morrison, Toni. Sula. New York: Vintage Books, 2004
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