Comment on the Treatment of the Marginalized Girl-child in Toni Morrison's "Sula": Exploring Black Feminism

 “‘You think I don’t know what your life is like just because I ain’t living it? I know what every colored woman in this country is doing.’

‘What’s that?’

‘Dying., Just like me. But the difference is they dying like a stump. Me, I’m going down like one of those redwoods. I sure did live in this world.’”

(Sula at her deathbed)

Toni Morrison's

"Sula" (1973)

Struggles and Challenges Faced by the Black Girl-child

Be it "The Bluest Eye" or "Beloved", Toni Morrison either deals with issues of identity, beauty, and the struggle for self-acceptance or examines the effects of racism and colorism on African American communities. Like social critic, she examine the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American communities. Through a nonlinear narrative structure and experimental language, Toni Morrison's novel "Sula" (1973) describes a woman who refuses to conform to community mores which offers a poignant commentary on the treatment of the marginalized black girl-child in society. Set in the early 1900s, the novel follows the lives of two African American women, Sula and Nel, who grow up together in a small town called the story of the bond between two black women growing up in Medallion, Ohio. Throughout the novel, Morrison provides a stunning original depiction of the struggles and challenges faced by the black girl-child and the ways in which societal norms and patriarchal expectations can limit and marginalize their growth and development. As we delve into the understanding the spirit of black feminism in "Sula" in the fight against racism and sexism, it becomes clear that understanding the role of black women in American society is vital. It is essential to analyze these issues and their connection to the racial and gender discrimination experienced by black people, particularly black women. 

The Outlook Of Black Americans In American Society

Toni Morrison's "Sula"
published by Knopf
Image Credit: Knopf

A closer analysis of Morrison's Sula reveals two significant themes. The first is the outlook of black Americans in American society. The community of Medallion, Ohio, has been stunted and turned inward by the racism of the larger society, leading to the rage and disordered lives of its inhabitants. This can be seen as a reaction to their stifled hopes.

Toni Morrison's powerful depiction of key scenes of racism is a testament to the enduring legacy of discrimination and injustice in our world. The mistreatment of a freed slave, Nel's mother's encounter on a train, the white men's treatment of Chicken's body, and the struggle of black people to secure employment in building the new tunnel all serve as framing devices for the novel.

Despite these challenges, the characters in the novel carry on with their lives, attempting to minimize the intrusion of racism on their daily existence. This approach effectively underscores the pervasive impact of racism on society, affecting every aspect of life.

The Spirit Of Black Feminism Against Racism And Sexism

The second theme of Morrison's Sula is the spirit of black feminism against racism and sexism. Through the character of Sula, Morrison demonstrates the intersectionality of race and gender and the difficulties that black women face in society.

From an early age, Sula is labeled as "evil" and "different" by the people in her community due to her unconventional behavior and disregard for societal norms. Sula refuses to conform to the gendered expectations placed upon her by society and instead chooses to pursue her own desires and ambitions. However, this independence and self-reliance are viewed as a threat to the patriarchal structure of society and are met with hostility and rejection.

It is worth noting that "Sula" is considered a black feminist novel because it was written by a woman through a womanist perspective. The book also focuses on the position of black women in black society. Morrison's exploration of the lives of Sula and Nel serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of allowing young girls to pursue their own ambitions and desires, rather than forcing them to conform to gendered expectations and norms.

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is the representation of the female characters, especially Sula. From an early age, Sula is labeled as "evil" and "different" by the people in her community due to her unconventional behavior and disregard for societal norms. Sula refuses to conform to the gendered expectations placed upon her by society and instead chooses to pursue her own desires and ambitions. However, this independence and self-reliance are viewed as a threat to the patriarchal structure of society and are met with hostility and rejection. It is worth noting that "Sula" is considered a black feminist novel because it was written by a woman through a womanist perspective. The book also focuses on the position of black women in black society. In fact, the main emphasis of "Sula" is on the fact that black women are often treated unequally by black men.

Sula is portrayed as a masculine figure, defying society's expectations of what a black American woman should be. By challenging traditional gender norms, Sula encourages black women to reject the patriarchal system that perpetuates sexist oppression. Morrison's depiction of characters who openly share their experiences of sexism and challenge societal norms draws attention to the root of black women's oppression and offers a path towards a solution.

Similarly, the treatment of Nel as a girl-child is also shaped by the social expectations and norms that surround her. Nel is raised to be a "good girl" who conforms to the expectations of her family and community. She is taught to suppress her desires and passions and to prioritize the needs of others above her own. However, this selflessness and submissiveness ultimately come at a great cost to Nel's personal growth and development, as she struggles to find a sense of purpose and meaning in her life.

Marginalization of the Black Girl-Child

Throughout the novel, Morrison exposes the ways in which the girl-child is marginalized and limited by societal expectations and norms. She highlights the ways in which these expectations can limit their growth and development, and how these limitations can have long-term consequences.

Morrison's powerful depiction of Sula and Nel's lives serves as a reminder of the importance of allowing young girls to pursue their own ambitions and desires, rather than forcing them to conform to gendered expectations and norms. The novel is a commentary on the way in which society often limits the potential of the black girl-child, leading to a lifetime of frustration and unfulfilled potential.

Toni Morrison's Sula highlights four prominent scenes of racism, which serve as a framing device for the novel. These include the mistreatment of a freed slave, Nel's mother's encounter on a train, the white men's treatment of Chicken's body, and the struggle of black people to secure employment in building the new tunnel.

Interestingly, racism is not a consistent element throughout the narrative, with the exception of the Chicken Little scene, which takes place outside of the Bottom. This narrative strategy seems intentional on Morrison's part, as she aims to illustrate how racism has pervaded society, causing poverty and hardship among its people. Despite these challenges, the characters in the novel carry on with their lives, attempting to minimize the intrusion of racism on their daily existence.

This approach effectively underscores the pervasive impact of racism on society, affecting every aspect of life. Morrison's powerful depiction of these four key scenes of racism is a testament to the enduring legacy of discrimination and injustice in our world.

The Critique

However, Morrison's treatment of the girl-child in Sula is not without its flaws. Critics have pointed out that Morrison's representation of Sula as a rebellious and non-conformist figure reinforces the stereotype of the "angry black woman," perpetuating negative stereotypes about black women in society. Additionally, some critics have argued that Morrison's portrayal of Nel as a submissive and selfless figure perpetuates harmful gendered stereotypes and fails to challenge the patriarchal norms that oppress women in society.

However, the tragedy of "Sula" lies in the fact that Nel and Sula, faced with a world in which love seems strange and indecipherable, try to find love through sexuality. In doing so, they give up on the purest and most important form of love in their lives: their love for each other. Again,  it is important to note that these issues are not limited to the world of fiction. They are real-life problems that continue to affect the lives of black women today. The fight against racism and sexism is ongoing, and it is crucial to acknowledge the voices of black women in this struggle.

However, it is also important to recognize that the representation of black women in literature and media is not always accurate or fair. Too often, black women are reduced to stereotypes or tokenized, and their experiences are overlooked or ignored. As we analyze and critique the portrayal of black women in literature, we must also strive to amplify their voices and create space for their stories to be told.

Conclusion

Toni Morrison's "Sula" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that highlights the struggles and challenges faced by the marginalized black girl-child. Through the character of Sula, Morrison explores the intersectionality of race and gender, providing a stunning original documentation. Similar to Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" and Alice Walker's "The Color Purple," Toni Morrison's "Sula" advocates for a strong feminist voice. Through her exploration of the lives of Sula and Nel, Morrison exposes how societal norms and expectations can limit the growth and development of young girls. While her treatment of the girl-child is not without its flaws, Morrison's novel serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of allowing young girls to pursue their own ambitions and desires, rather than forcing them to conform to gendered expectations and norms. The spirit of black feminism in the fight against racism and sexism cannot be separated from the role of black women in society. Through works like Sula, Toni Morrison sheds light on the struggles of black women and their fight for justice. As we continue to push for progress, it is crucial to recognize and uplift the voices of black women and to challenge the systemic barriers that hold them back.

Try to Answer these Questions:

💪What is the significance of the character Sula in the novel?

💪What are the main themes in "Sula"?

💪How does Morrison challenge traditional notions of motherhood in the novel?

💪What is the significance of the setting of the novel in Medallion, Ohio?

💪Why is "Sula" considered a black feminist novel?

💪What is Toni Morrison's novel "Sula" about, and how does it address issues of racism and sexism in society?

💪What is Toni Morrison's "Sula" about, and what are some of the prominent themes in the novel?

💪How does the novel explore the experiences of black women in American society, particularly the intersection of race and gender?

💪What is Toni Morrison's novel "Sula" about, and what themes does it explore? How does it represent the treatment of black women in society? What are some criticisms of Morrison's treatment of the girl-child in the novel?

Ardhendu De

Reference

1. Morrison, Toni. SULA. New York: Bantam Book, 1973.

2. Rose Que. (2010, January). BLACK FEMINIST SPIRIT AGAINST RACISM AND SEXISM AS REFLECTED IN SULA. Universitas Patimura, Volume IV(Nomor I). https://journal.trunojoyo.ac.id/prosodi/article/download/88/110#:~:text=Sula%20is%20considered%20as%20a,treated%20unequally%20by%20black%20men.

3.Nissen, A., & Morrison, T. (1999). Form Matters: Toni Morrison’s “Sula” and the Ethics of Narrative. Contemporary Literature, 40(2), 263. https://doi.org/10.2307/1208913