Sula Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. How would the story in Sula be different if the main characters were men?
  2. The chapters are titled according to years. What might the purpose of this be? Does it add anything to our understanding of the story?
  3. There are two characters in the novel who are greatly affected by war. Why might this be important?
  4. What do you think happens in the twenty-five years that separate the last two chapters?
  5. Is there something significant about the unusual character names (like Chicken Little, BoyBoy, and Tar Baby)?
  6. What do you think is the significance of the Bottom's group death the tunnel at the end of the novel?
  7. If you had to choose a popular song to represent Sula, what would it be?