The paper titled "The Rebellious, Untamed Mare: Morrison's Heroine Sula" by Afaf Ahmed Hasan Al-Saidi and Shunayfaa Muhammed Alqarni explores the character Sula in Toni Morrison's novel "Sula." The study focuses on Sula as a rare heroine in literature who embraces the role of an outsider, challenging societal norms, particularly within her community.
The purpose of the study is to analyze Sula's rebellious attitude and her journey as a free spirit who defies societal boundaries. The paper examines her relationships with her grandmother, mother, friend Nel Wright, and her lovers, exploring how these relationships shape her fearless and daring personality.
The methodology involves a literary analysis of the novel, focusing on themes such as the loss of innocence, friendship, and the role of norms within Sula's community. The authors highlight how Morrison's narrative technique engages the reader in a participatory role, encouraging them to interpret the story's meaning.
Key findings include the observation that Sula's upbringing in a household of strong women significantly contributes to her development as an independent character. The paper also notes the symbolic significance of Sula's actions, such as her self-inflicted injury and the drowning of Chicken Little, as expressions of her resistance to societal expectations.
The study concludes that Sula's character represents the struggle for self-definition in the face of societal norms. Her refusal to conform to prescribed roles makes her an outsider in her community. The paper underscores the importance of female friendship in the novel and how Sula and Nel's relationship reflects the broader cultural context that shapes their identities. The study emphasizes the significance of Morrison's portrayal of women who, through defiance and resilience, challenge oppressive societal structures.