Imad Guemmah

Selfhood Impact on Ideology Power and Convention Praxis in Toni Morrison's Novel "Sula" Imad Guemmah

Essay from the year 2010 in the subject Cultural Studies - Black Studies, , language: English, abstract: The paper aims at discussing the themes of ideological and conventional conflicts in Sula, an Oscar-winning novel written by Toni Morrison. It begins with an overview of the major points that mark the novel; and then shifts to the violently serious disagreements between Sula, the protagonist, and her community. It is common sense to assume a certain Manichean worldview, for societies are bound to declare untraditional behavior as persona non grata. Logically, society denizens conceal behind religion, convention and mythical fabrications in order to alienate the target person. I would henceforth raise this argument with Sula as a case study. When such clear-cut demarcations are drawn, ontological questions germane to identity prove primordial and significant. I would eventually illuminate the price Sula paid to protect her self-concept; hence, her raison d'être.