Sula (2021)

Lesson 14
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ELA

Unit 16

10th Grade

Lesson 14 of 31

Objective


Explain how Nel’s marriage changes her and infer how it will impact Sula.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: Sula by Toni Morrison  pp. 79 – 86

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Why does Jude really marry Nel?

How did Sula help Nel with Jude? 

What does Morrison mean by “one Jude”? Is this a good or bad thing?

Key Questions


  • How is Helene feeling at the wedding? 
  • On p. 80, Morrison describes the wedding and reception both as “real.” What is the intended effect of the use of this word?
  • Describe Jude’s employment as described on pp. 80–81?
  • What is the main reason Jude is seeking the new job based on p. 82?
  • Why did Jude marry Nel?
  • According to the paragraph on p. 83 beginning with “Whether he was…,” what is Sula’s influence on Nel?
  • How did Sula respond to Nel and Jude’s relationship at first? 
  • What are Helene’s hopes for Nel and Jude? Does this happen?
  • Read the line below from p. 83: “The two of them together would make one Jude.” Is this a good thing or a bad thing? Why?
  • Early on in the novel, Morrison hinted at this. Turn back to p. 29.
  • What is Nel’s last image of Sula? What do we discover about their relationship?

Notes


  • It is key for students to understand that Sula is not jealous of Nel. She actually helps Nel win Jude over because she brings out the best in Nel. 
  • It is implied that Jude does love Nel but that he mainly married her because he needed a win in his life and he needed a source of comfort after rejections from employment. Here, Morrison again touches on the theme of men/women and the vulnerability of black women. Nel is essentially only there to serve Jude’s needs.

Next

Compare how the two authors create mood. 

Lesson 15
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