Introduction
The concluding chapter of Toni Morrison’s “Sula” beckons readers into a world where the tendrils of history, societal change, and personal introspection weave a tapestry of profound emotions. As Nel, now a 55-year-old woman, reflects upon the post–World War II Civil Rights–era Bottom, her journey becomes a lens through which to scrutinize the “circles of sorrow” that entwine her experiences. This analysis aims to delve deeper into these layers of sorrow, unraveling whether the conclusion leans towards pessimism, optimism, or a nuanced blend of emotions.
Beginning
Nel’s journey begins with a contemplative gaze at the transformed dynamics within Bottom. The once vibrant and robust youth, symbolic of the community’s vitality, have lost their vigor. The community itself witnesses a shifting paradigm, with whites ascending to the hills and blacks eagerly embracing life in the valley. This transformation becomes a symbol of the broader historical and societal changes that have cast their shadows upon the microcosm of Bottom.
As Nel meanders through the labyrinth of her personal life, the aftermath of her relationship with Jude becomes a focal point for the circles of sorrow she encounters. Unlike her childhood friend Sula, who defied societal norms, Nel adheres to conventional expectations. However, Jude’s departure leaves her without another enduring connection. This void in her life speaks to the complexities of love and companionship in a world marked by shifting values and societal expectations, forcing Nel to grapple with the ways societal norms shape personal relationships (Van Haitsma 12).
Pivotal Moment
A pivotal moment emerges as Nel visits Eva in the integrated nursing home, Sunnydale. Eva’s detachment from reality, portrayed through her imaginary act of ironing, serves as a metaphor for the surreal nature of memory and the fragility of the human psyche (Hogue 173). Eva delves into the haunting past in their poignant conversation, questioning the circumstances surrounding Chicken Little’s death—a tragedy that forever binds Nel and Sula.
The revelation that Eva and Sula are alike echoes the haunting question Sula posed to Nel in their final encounter, suggesting a shared destiny and a recognition of the intertwined fates of the two friends. As Nel grapples with the memories of Chicken Little’s death, readers are invited to ponder the intricate web of emotions surrounding guilt, complicity, and the dark recesses of human nature. The narrative peels back layers, exposing the complexity of relationships and the moral ambiguity that resides within individuals. Nel’s admission that she enjoyed witnessing Chicken Little slip from Sula’s grasp adds a profound layer of complexity to the narrative, unveiling the darker shades of human emotions and challenging conventional notions of morality and friendship (Tabone 300).
Culmination
The culmination of Nel’s journey leads her to the cemetery where the Peace family members rest. Like magic, birth and death dates resonate with the certainty of life’s cyclical nature. The graveyard becomes a symbolic space where Nel confronts the realities of existence and seeks solace in the hope of serenity amid life’s uncertainties. The rhythmic chant of the dates becomes a poignant reminder of the inescapable cycles that govern human life.
In this poignant moment of reflection, Nel’s perception of Sula transcends the personal and becomes a profound exploration of the collective consciousness of the Bottom community. Sula manifests the community’s deepest fears—fears that extend beyond the individual and encompass societal anxieties rooted in change, difference, and the daunting prospect of self-reflection. Sula, in essence, becomes a living, breathing mirror, unflinchingly reflecting the aspects of the community that its members would prefer to sweep under the rug.
As Nel confronts this revelation, it unveils a truth of striking significance—that her mourning has not been solely tethered to the dissolution of her marriage, as one might have assumed. Instead, the nucleus of her grief resides in the profound connection she shared with Sula. This realization adds a nuanced layer to Nel’s character, transcending conventional narratives of romantic loss and emphasizing the transformative power of friendship. Nel’s journey becomes a testament to the enduring impact of human connections, specifically the camaraderie with Sula, in shaping her identity and understanding of the world.
The concluding chapters of “Sula” navigate an emotional terrain that resists easy classification. It is a landscape where sorrow and introspection intertwine seamlessly, creating a nuanced tapestry of human experience. In their complexity and vulnerability, the characters confront the intricacies of their pasts, bravely acknowledging the shadows that persist within their collective memory. With her masterful storytelling, Morrison refrains from offering a tidy resolution or a clear-cut judgment about Bottom’s outlook.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ending of “Sula” is not a mere resolution but a tapestry of emotions woven with threads of sorrow, introspection, and a recognition of life’s inevitable cycles. The “circles of sorrow” that Nel experiences encompass personal losses, societal transformations, and the intricacies of human nature. While the narrative remains elusive in offering a definitive stance on optimism or pessimism, it beckons readers to engage with the profound reflections embedded in Nel’s journey and the ever-evolving landscape of Bottom. As the echoes of history and personal introspection linger, the concluding chapter of “Sula” stands as a testament to the enduring power of Toni Morrison’s storytelling, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of the human experience.
Works Cited
Tabone, Mark A. “Dystopia, utopia, and ‘home’ in Toni Morrison’s home.” Utopian Studies, vol. 29, no. 3, 2018, pp. 291–308.
Van Haitsma, Pamela. “Stories of straightening up: Reading femmes in the archives of romantic friendship.” QED: A Journal in GLBTQ Worldmaking, vol. 6, no. 3, 2019, pp. 1–24.
Hogue, Lawrence. “The emergence, Renaissance, and transformation of multicultural American literature from the 1960s to the early 2000s.” Symplokē, vol. 26, no. 1–2, 2018, p. 173.