Character Development in Toni Morrison\'s

Character development in Toni Morrison's "Sula"

Toni Morrison's novel "Sula" provides readers with a complex story regarding African-American experiences in the early twentieth century and concerning two girls who go through a series of more or less fortunate events as they grow into adults. Sula (the protagonist in the novel) and her friend Nel focus on trying to understand more about their community in an attempt to comprehend who they are and the attitude that they should employ in regard to life. In spite of the fact that the two girls appreciate each-other, their backgrounds make it difficult for them to agree about their interests.

It is very difficult for a young individual in the position of Nel or Sula to develop strength of character in an environment dominated by depression and where most people are unable to sustain themselves. The two girls are united by the fact that they are both interested in following their ideals in life. However, the fact that they are each influenced by their families makes it problematic for them to employ similar attitudes in life. Sula practically provides Nel with a way out, as the latter is unable to understand why her mother wants her to behave in a certain way. In spite of her mother's determination to provide Nel with a particular education, the child believes that it would be wrong for her to follow this path. The girl gradually comes to believe that the only method of living a good life would be for her to act in accordance with her own regulations, regardless of what people around her have to say about this.

Nel's home is limited by a series of standard household characteristics while Sula's home contains a series of atypical concepts. There is nothing certain about Sula's household, considering that it is run by woman in a period when women were generally discriminated and that it was constantly experiencing transformations. The houses are not only meant to put across the personalities of Sula and Nel through their inhabitants, as they also display the chances that each girl has to succeed in life through their physical structure, considering that Nel's home is well-ordered while Sula's house is in a critical shape. This concept is also likely to be used with the purpose of demonstrating the complexity of Sula's character. One cannot simply understand Sula whereas Nel is easier to comprehend and while her ideas are clear. Sula actually plays an important role in Nel's life, considering that she influences her in expressing less interest in following her mother's commands. In comparison to Sula, Nel has the freedom to choose what she can do with her life and she receives instructions from her mother with the purpose of experiencing progress. Sula is less privileged and her innocence is shattered at the moment when her mother claims that she does not like her. It is almost as if Sula is presented with intense emotions at an early time in her life while Nel is treated as a child and is supported in her endeavor to be an active member of the social order.

Morrison apparently wants to emphasize the fact that one's character is determined by how the respective person perceives him or herself. The moment when Sula accidentally kills Chicken Little plays an important role in her relationship with Nel. While both girls are inclined to feel guilt as a result of their involvement in the child's death, Sula believes that her action was caused by her destructive nature and that it is perfectly natural for her to put across immoral behavior. In contrast, Nel gradually detaches herself from the event and comes to believe that she had nothing to do with Chicken Little's death. Her upbringing influenced her in believing that she could not possibly make a mistake as long as she acts in accordance with her mother's instructions.

The relationship between Sula and Nel is very different from the one between two typical children, as they feel that they are connected as a result of their similar goals. Even with the fact that they have different personalities they feel that they complete each-other. It is very probable that Nel considers Chicken Little's death an opportunity for her to get out of this relationship, taking into account that she feels pressured by the fact that Sula's behavior and personality is very different from her mother's behavior and personality.

It is difficult to determine if Nel feels sorrow for not acting when Chicken Little lost his life or whether she believes that she was simply wrong because she did not perform a socially accepted act.

The Deweys are meant to provide readers with an alternative to children like Nel and Sula. The fact that they all bear the same name makes it possible for readers to understand that the community in Bottom was a location where individuals lost their personal identity. Nel and Sula are more similar to Shadrock than they are to the Deweys and to normal individuals in their community. This makes it possible for them to learn more regarding their personal identities and to be able to get actively involved in changing their lifestyles at the moment when they want to.