Understanding Toni Morrison's 'Sula'

John Green discusses Toni Morrison's novel Sula, focusing on themes of friendship, identity, and the impact of binary thinking. The novel's setting in a fictional African American neighborhood highlights issues of race and class. Green explores the complex characters of Nel and Sula, their friendship, and the choices they make. The video emphasizes the novel's challenge to binary thinking and its portrayal of life's complexities, urging readers to reconsider assumptions about identity and social order.

What central themes does 'Sula' explore?

• Friendship and societal norms

• Technology and innovation

• War and peace

• Science and discovery

What does the 'Bottom' symbolize in the novel?

• A symbol of peace and tranquility

• A metaphor for binary thinking and societal hierarchy

• A location for technological advancement

• A place of wealth and prosperity

How does Morrison challenge binary thinking in 'Sula'?

• By presenting characters as purely good or evil

• By ignoring societal norms

• By valuing both nightshade and blackberry

• By focusing solely on male characters

What narrative technique did Morrison find 'embarrassing' in 'Sula'?

• Ignoring cultural context

• Focusing on a single character

• Writing in first person

• Using a valley man's perspective

How does Nel's upbringing differ from Sula's?

• Nel is raised in a free-spirited environment

• Nel is isolated from society

• Nel is encouraged to be rebellious

• Nel is raised to be obedient and polite

What event significantly impacts Nel and Sula's childhood?

• The drowning of Chicken Little

• A school competition

• A family reunion

• A neighborhood festival

How does Sula's character embody the concept of 'nightshade'?

• She is ordinary and unremarkable

• She is predictable and stable

• She is unusual and sometimes toxic

• She is common and nourishing

What does Sula's relationship with Ajax reveal about her desires?

• She craves a life of solitude

• She desires stability and love

• She wants to travel the world

• She seeks financial success

What does Morrison suggest about the nature of friendship between women in 'Sula'?

• It is simple and straightforward

• It is defined by competition

• It is always harmonious

• It is complex and unmediated by men

What does Morrison identify as the 'only possible triumph' in 'Sula'?

• Social acceptance

• Financial success

• The triumph of the imagination

• Political power