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Sula
Toni Morrison. Plume: 1982 (paperback). ISBN: 0452263492. 174 pages.
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About the Author
A page of detailed biographical information on Toni Morrison, including excerpts from interviews in which Morrison interprets her own work.
Did you know that parents in Montgomery County get together to oppose the teaching of this novel in high school classrooms? What do you imagine that they objected to in the book? Find out while reading this section.
All in the Family
A synopsis of the literary traditions and genres with which Sula is affiliated and a brief explanation of these connections, giving your book group the opportunity to understand Morrison’s novel in a larger literary perspective.
When asked why there were no major white characters in her fiction, Toni Morrison had a very definite answer to offer. Read about her criteria for African American fiction in this section, as well as about the novel’s place within several other important literary categories.
Character Tree
A list of major characters and their dominant characteristics and values, showing characters’ relationships to each other.
One small novel, about one small town, and three of the characters are all named Dewey. For a quick overview of the other intriguing characters who people this book, check out this section.
Streams of Themes
A breakdown of potential major discussion themes in Sula, including ways these themes are interconnected.
Morrison’s story begins in the Bottom, a part of town that’s actually, of course, at the top. So you might guess that this is a novel in which ideas of both structure and chaos play a significant part. For a look at other central themes of the novel, turn to this section.
Talk Back to the Critics
Excerpts of some major critical reviews of Sula from authoritative journals, newspapers, and magazines. We encourage your book group to enjoy the opportunity to argue with expert opinion.
Most of today’s critics agree that Toni Morrison is the bomb. But back in 1974, they were having a little trouble figuring out this book—especially that crazy birthmark over Sula’s eye. Flip to this section for a succinct overview of critical reception to the novel.
Doorways to Discussion
A chronologically and thematically organized list of discussion questions, which function to explore, in a logical and thoughtful manner, the questions and possibilities that Morrison’s novel evokes.
And speaking of that birthmark: at different points in this novel, several of Morrison’s characters attribute a variety of meanings to Sula’s most startling physical characteristic. What do these interpretations say about each of these characters? For a comprehensive list of other knotty questions to consider, see this section.
Taste Test
A selection of other books on subjects similar to those in Sula to consider for future book group meetings or for private reading.
Want to catch up on other classics and/or literary prizewinners? Or on more fiction that features strong, complex female characters? Look to our list for some good ideas.
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