Evil == Good?

Wang 1

Bing Wang

African American Studies R1A

Professor Nanda

May 3, 2007

Evil = = Good?

Sula by Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison depicts the intricate relationship between two African American women Sula and Nel as they progress through a series of significant experiences. Nel, constrained by her grandmother, conforms to the standards established by the society, while Sula adamantly opposes such traditions and chooses to forge her own path in life. Interestingly, it is their distinct differences that allow the women to complement one another, as they gradually become soul mates. Subsequently, the two individuals are able to fuse into a single entity. Their relationship is analogous to the yin-yang symbol in ancient Chinese philosophy, which views the world through opposing yet complementary principles. According to social conventions, Nel, possessing positive values, would identify with yang, and Sula, possessing negative values, would be better represented by yin. But what is good and what is evil? With the morally ambiguous portrayal of Sula and Nel, Morrison emphasizes the importance of moral presence while simultaneously demonstrating triviality in distinctive meanings; Morrison's unique approach compels the readers to consider morality in a larger scale. (although ... because ... showing that...)

Sula, who refuses to conform to the expected role of a woman, is seen by the community of Bottom as the root of all evil. Throughout the novel, Sula distinguishes herself from stereotypically good women who conform to the Bottom's roles and morals. Her actions seem so absurd to the community that people equate her with the notion of evil. Sula's emotionless relationships with those of the opposite sex, especially of the opposite race, fill the community "with choking disgust" (113). Sula's actions do not only stray from the customary practices of the women of the Bottom, but also conflict with the standards set by the community and by God. With the segregation deeply dividing the two races, Sula's sexual interaction with the other race is regarded by the community as a betrayal of her own race(113). Sula not only betrays her skin color, but also sleeps around with other men. Such practices violate the foundation of the Bottom community and incur jealousy and hatred from her peers. The community feels such intense hatred towards her that they refuse to bury Sula after her death(pg #).(what negative feelings? That they treat her poorly? Make fun of her? Expand) Furthermore, Sula betrays Nel as she lures Nel's husband, Jude, away from Nel (113). Sula's betrayal of her best friend violates the basic meaning of companionship, which embodies a certain degree of trust between the two parties. Her actions also violate the basic teachings of God, which strictly forbids adulterous actions. Sula's tearing apart an otherwise good family further reveals the ruthlessness that resides within her character. Through a series of unanticipated actions, Sula turns the values of the black community completely upside down, and thus becomes the symbol of evil in the Bottom community.

Nel, the polar opposite of Sula, acts according to standards set forth by the community of the Bottom as she accepts the traditional role of housewife and mother. Making the first step towards traditional womanhood, Nel commits herself to Jude (84). Nel's marriage is a model example of conformity that the rest of the society expects her to uphold. Her decision to marry and willingness to establish a stable family contrast sharply with Sula's frivolous actions. Nel, in turn, fulfills the sense of security that the community hopes to spread. Unlike Sula who discards man after man, Nel assumes the role of a good wife that the community of Bottom believes will promote family values. Nel is not only a good wife, but also a good mother and a contributing member of the community. Unlike Sula who steals other women's pleasures and wishes to kill her grandmother, Nel provides solace to her children and cares for the elders of the community (109 & 164). Having a stable family and nurturing one's kids and elders represent exemplary behavior that is supported by the rest of the community. Nel's actions also uphold the teaching of God, which emphasizes the importance of family values and respect. The community certainly prefers Nel to Sula, for conformity leads to greater stability while change frequently leads to chaos.

Judging from the conventional definition of good and evil, one can conclude that Sula is the virus that plagues the community, while Nel is the guardian of moral values. From the community's point of view, those who violate the principle of morality are considered evil as such violation destabilizes the community. However, Morrison's multifaceted view of good and evil questions the roles of Sula and Nel in the community. With the vague definition of morality, Morrison sends a message to the reader that there is no definitive view of good and evil; rather, they serve to define each other. Without good, the evil lacks a basis for comparison. Morrison uses Sula's last word to question the existence of an absolute definition for morality: "How [do] you know?... About who [is] good. How you know it [is] you ...maybe it [isn't] you. Maybe it [is] me" (146). From a broader perspective, one can infer that conformity does not mean good and change does not mean bad. Sula's creativity and her ability to bring the community together are much more beneficial to Sula and the community than Nel's sense of conformity.

Blessed with the ability to lead a vibrant lifestyle and freely speak her mind, Sula possesses the freedom that is withheld from Nel and the rest of the community. American people are fiercely proud of the freedom that they enjoy, and in that sense, Sula's demonstration of free choice and will makes her the more enviable character. "She lived out her days exploring her own thoughts and emotions, giving them full reign, feeling no obligation to please anybody unless their pleasure pleased her" (118). Even though Sula's actions might seem a bit self-serving, they should not be construed as evil. In fact, she demonstrates the sense of freedom and individualism that grants her the ability to explore the world and its values. Such values are highly favored in American culture, which emphasizes one's freedom to choose. Americans cast those who deprive others of such ideals as inhumane and oppressive. From that perspective, Sula is upholding the value of freedom