Is resolution offered? In this example, you would want to consider all aspects of plot as explained in the “Introduction to Fiction” in Literature: A Pocket Anthology, and take detailed notes as you read. Then read the novel again, but this time, focus your attention on another element of fiction, like point of view. Which point of view is used? Does the point of view, as defined in the “Introduction to Fiction,” remain the same? At what moments does the point of view become significant? How and where, specifically, would the story change if the point of view was different? Continue rereading, each time focusing on a different component of fiction. For each, be sure to note specific passages that seem significant in terms of the component you’re investigating. Now look over the notes you have taken during these readings and then consider our three areas of focus this semester: men in the community, the individual in the community, and women in the community. Select one of these areas and in one sentence, summarize the view of men, the individual, or women in the community that is shared in Sula. Such a sentence is a strong basis for a thesis statement for this paper. Then prove your thesis statement — the theme of men, the individual, or women in the community, as portrayed in this novel — by carefully explaining specific examples of elements of fiction that reflect this theme. Provide your thesis statement in your opening paragraph, consider several elements and provide specific examples of each, and be sure that each paragraph links directly to your thesis statement. Finally, explain why this theme is significant. Why is it an important theme to consider in today’s society? Papers should be approximately 3-4 pages in length; see specific audience expectations below. Remember, too, to follow the paper formatting guidelines listed in the course information sheet and review the academic honesty policy. Mini-Lecture 1: Men in Sula Defining (or Defying) Manhood The questions raised about men in the community back in module #1 are definitely applicable when considering Sula, as well. What are the black men in Medallion like? How might this novel’s male characters (and its female characters’ responses to men) shed light on cultural definitions of manhood, for example? Consider just a few of the possible examples that relate to this question: Shadrack = deeply damaged by his time as a WWI soldier, Shadrack returns home a broken man. He is described as “[b]lasted and permanently astonished by the events of 1917” (7), and like the soldiers’ experiences described in various poetry from module #2, Shadrack seems to have good reason to disconnect with reality. He remains largely isolated, except on National Suicide Day. Why does he invent this holiday? What’s its meaning? What has been expected of Shadrack by his community, and how did fulfilling these expectations affect him? Plum = similar to Shadrack, Plum has returned from the war traumatized and weak. He ultimately becomes little more than a junkie who meets his demise at his mother’s hands. Is what’s been asked of him by his society more than should be expected of men? Nel’s father = how present is he in Nel’s life? Is his absence significant of the expectations of men in this community? Jude, Ajax = in a heartbreaking turn of events, Jude makes a choice that destroys his marriage and the friendship shared by Nel and Sula. On the other hand, Ajax refuses to commit to one woman and flees when romantic relationships become serious. Are these men reflective of community expectations for them? Are they simply complying with social expectations?
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