Paradox In Sula
Hoffarth-Zelloe, Monika. “Resolving the Paradox?: An Interlinear Reading of Toni Morrison’s
Sula.” The Journal of Narrative Technique, Vol. 22, No. 2, 1992, 114-127.
Monika Hoffarth-Zelloe’s article explores the idea of a double, if not a split form of self that provides to be a common theme throughout Sula, and how it applies to the idea of individual freedom and equality. She begins with the characters Nel and Sula, and suggests these two separate beings represent Morrison’s own internal contradictions and broken self. Zelloe would later state, “Paradoxes and split personalities arise out of the conflict between an individual’s search for independence and society’s demands, norms and values” [115]. In the case of Sula, she goes against the domestic approach and goes off to have adventures in the world, while Nel presents a more traditional role of wife and mother. From this, Zelloe believes that at one point Morrison was trying to find a balance between a traditional and more modern lifestyle. The idea of a good versus evil makes an appearance in the article as Zelloe explores how the townspeople act with Sula’s return and how they are after her death. To end the article, Zelloe states that in order for the paradoxes and conflicts to end, accepting yourself must happen. …show more content…
I always believed that Nel and Sula were two sides of the same coin, but for some reason my mind didn’t make the connect go further and connect it to the outside world. By reading the article, I can see how it can be applied to Morrison’s life and even to modern times. Without a doubt, Sula could represent a more modern, if not today’s, society. She is loose and free-flowing, a ideal many women today seem to follow. Nel, on the other hand, certainly represents a more traditional role that is seen in the later
Sula.” The Journal of Narrative Technique, Vol. 22, No. 2, 1992, 114-127.
Monika Hoffarth-Zelloe’s article explores the idea of a double, if not a split form of self that provides to be a common theme throughout Sula, and how it applies to the idea of individual freedom and equality. She begins with the characters Nel and Sula, and suggests these two separate beings represent Morrison’s own internal contradictions and broken self. Zelloe would later state, “Paradoxes and split personalities arise out of the conflict between an individual’s search for independence and society’s demands, norms and values” [115]. In the case of Sula, she goes against the domestic approach and goes off to have adventures in the world, while Nel presents a more traditional role of wife and mother. From this, Zelloe believes that at one point Morrison was trying to find a balance between a traditional and more modern lifestyle. The idea of a good versus evil makes an appearance in the article as Zelloe explores how the townspeople act with Sula’s return and how they are after her death. To end the article, Zelloe states that in order for the paradoxes and conflicts to end, accepting yourself must happen. …show more content…
I always believed that Nel and Sula were two sides of the same coin, but for some reason my mind didn’t make the connect go further and connect it to the outside world. By reading the article, I can see how it can be applied to Morrison’s life and even to modern times. Without a doubt, Sula could represent a more modern, if not today’s, society. She is loose and free-flowing, a ideal many women today seem to follow. Nel, on the other hand, certainly represents a more traditional role that is seen in the later