Sula's Behavior Analysis

Sula’s behavior was important to the community’s growth. According to Margulies “Morrison describes how the fictional community of Medallion, which had shown concern for all of its members when the temptress Sula lived to entice people away from the community, fell into indifference toward its members when Sula died” (23). The abrupt change in the community’s actions shows how important Sula was to the community. Her presence gave Medallion a reason to treat other people better. The community did not like the way she treated other people and took it upon them to be superior. She brought ideas to the community that they were not ready to understand. Her actions stated that sex did not have to be meaningful. Her conversations intrigued
husbands because they could not understand what she was talking about. Sula possessed more technical knowledge because she went to college. She had more experience because she traveled the world. No matter how much she made herself available no one was ready to understand her. Promiscuous women do not receive enough credit for everything that they do. They are merely women trying to live their lives. They take what life has to offer and expand on it. They are comfortable with their sexuality. According to Mayberry, “Viewed specifically, Sula reveals that the traditional African American community is not ready to accept a woman who assumes a man’s freedom,” (519). Morrison’s novel challenges and breaks the taboo that women are not allowed to be open with their sexuality. She does this by introducing various promiscuous women into her novel from different walks of life. Morrison encourages promiscuity by giving many of the promiscuous women, in her novel, a fulfilling life. By not being afraid to feed their inner curiosities, many promiscuous women positively affect the lives of the people around them. It then allows communities to evolve. According to Kay “Sula is the quintessential outsider, completely strange and utterly compelling,” (1). Once a person becomes comfortable with themselves, they have the freedom to learn more. By fully understanding a concept, one can encourage evolution. Many promiscuous women influence decisions from behind but we should encourage them to step out in front.