1. Analyze the ending of the novel. What are the circles of sorrow that Nel experiences? Is the ending pessimistic, optimistic, or something else altogether? 2. Nel and Sulas friendship is central in the novel. As children, the girls develop their self-concept through the friendship. When they are adults, Nel feels betrayed when Sula sleeps with Jude, but Sula has also felt betrayed by Nel during the Chicken Little incident. How did Nel betray Sula as regards Chicken Littles death and what is the significance of this mutual betrayal in their lives? Nel feels betrayed by Sula, but Sula feels betrayed by Nel? 3. How do people who are intensely individualistic fare in the novel? Is it possible to break away from the values of the community and to be ones own person? Answer the question with reference to at least two of the novels characters. 4. How and by whom is love expressed in the novel? In what ways does the love in the novel ease the suffering of the characters? How is love not enough to diminish the suffering of the characters?
