Sula

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What responsibilities does a mother have toward her children? Must she love them? Like them? Must she give them life? Prepare them for death? Must she give them joy? Or protection? Must she feed, clothe, and shelter them? How might these responsibilities be affected by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status?

Teaching Suggestion: It might be helpful to provide students with an open mind diagram (an outline of a human head with space to write inside) and ask them to fill it with words and images related to motherhood. Then, pose the questions about motherhood and responsibility. Students may make changes or additions to their diagrams during the discussion. This exploration will prepare students to trace the theme Family, Community, and the Burden of Legacies.

• “The Persistent Joy of Black Mothers” by Leah Wright Rigueur proposes a version of Black motherhood that contradicts common stereotypes. (Subscription may be needed to view.)
• “As a Black Mother, My Parenting Is Always Political” by Dani McClain discusses the realities of Black motherhood. (Subscription may be needed to view.)

2. What is betrayal? In what ways does betrayal affect a relationship? Can a friendship survive betrayal? Give specific examples from film, literature, or life.

Teaching Suggestion: You might lead students to work with the following definition of betrayal: the act of failing or deserting someone in a time of need. For each example discussed, ask: What does the victim need from their betrayer? What does the betrayer fail to give and why? This exploration will prepare students to trace the theme Friendships Between Women.

• In the Christian Bible, Mark 14:42-50 tells the story of the famous betrayer of Jesus, Judas Iscariot.
• Julius Caesar Act III, Scene I, Lines 58-85 tells the story of the famous betrayer of Caesar, Brutus.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

Identify a best friend from childhood. What did they look and smell like? How did they sound? What textures or tastes do you associate with them? Next, describe the friendship. How did you meet? What drew you to each other? How did others view the relationship? How long did the friendship last? If it ended, how or why? How do you feel thinking about that person now?

Teaching Suggestion: Begin by sharing with students the story of your childhood best friend. Make sure the story is reflective as well as factual. This discussion with prepare students to trace the theme Friendships Between Women.

• “10 Things Only Your Childhood Best Friend Understands” by Lindsay Holmes explains the particular importance of childhood best friends.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English language learners, the prompt may be approached as a list with images, if desired.