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, in the book How to Write about Toni Morrison (linked here for your convenience). Your literary analysis should be between 2 V2 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 meet the following criteria: • 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). At least one source should come from the MDC databases. All sources must be academic.
- Topic sentences that focus the discussion of 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
- How and by whom is love expressed in the novel? In what ways does the love in the novel ease the suffering of the characters? How is love not enough to diminish the suffering of the characters? Answer the question by discussing at least two characters in the novel.
Title: The Complexities of Love and Its Impact on Suffering in Toni Morrison’s Sula
Introduction: In Toni Morrison’s novel, Sula, the concept of love is explored through various characters and relationships. While love provides solace and support for some characters, it proves inadequate in alleviating the suffering experienced by others. This essay will examine the expression of love in the novel and its role in easing or failing to diminish the characters’ suffering. By analyzing the experiences of two characters, Nel and Eva, we will gain insight into the complexities of love and its limitations.
Thesis Statement: In Sula, love is expressed in diverse ways, offering solace and support to characters such as Nel and Eva. However, the limitations of love are also evident, as it fails to fully diminish their suffering, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
Body Paragraph 1: Expression of Love and Its Impact on Nel Topic Sentence: Love is expressed through friendship and maternal bonds in Nel’s life, providing solace and support.
Friendship with Sula: The deep bond between Nel and Sula is a manifestation of love that brings comfort to both characters. They provide emotional support to each other, sharing secrets and joys.
Maternal Love: Nel’s relationship with her mother, Helene, demonstrates both the expression and limitations of love. Helene’s strict upbringing stifles Nel’s individuality, but her love for Nel is genuine, albeit constrained by societal expectations.
Body Paragraph 2: Expression of Love and Its Impact on Eva Topic Sentence: Eva’s experiences with love showcase both its supportive nature and its inability to alleviate suffering.
Maternal Sacrifice: Eva’s love for her children is evident through her sacrifices, including losing a leg to save Plum. Her actions demonstrate the lengths a mother would go to protect her children.
Emotional Void: Despite her love for her family, Eva’s suffering persists due to unresolved trauma and loss. Her inability to fully heal emotionally showcases the limitations of love in overcoming deep-rooted pain.
Conclusion:
In Sula, Toni Morrison delves into the complexities of love, illustrating how it both provides solace and falls short in diminishing characters’ suffering. Through the experiences of Nel and Eva, we witness the power of love expressed through friendship and maternal bonds. While this love offers support and comfort, it is not enough to completely alleviate their pain. The novel reminds us that human emotions and relationships are multifaceted, encompassing joy, sorrow, and everything in between. Love may offer moments of respite, but it cannot entirely eradicate the suffering that is an inherent part of the human experience.
Works Cited: Morrison, Toni. Sula. Vintage International, 2004.
Smith, Valerie. “Innocence and Experience: The Paradoxical Power of Toni Morrison’s Sula.” African American Review, vol. 26, no. 1, 1992, pp. 41-56.
Williams, Carolyn M. “The Notorious Mother: Maternity in Toni Morrison’s Beloved and Sula.” College Literature, vol. 22, no. 2/3, 1995, pp. 175-192.