Sula Part I: Prologue-1920 Summary & Analysis

Overview of the Bottom

• The Bottom is an all-Black neighborhood in Medallion, Ohio.
• Historically vibrant, the Bottom's old buildings are demolished for a golf course as rich white people move in.
• The name "Bottom" is derived from a deceitful promise made by a slave owner to a slave.
  • Slave was promised "bottom land" in the valley for his freedom.
  • Given hilly land instead, called the "bottom of heaven," hard to farm.

Shadrack

• 20-year-old WWI veteran suffers trauma, wakes in a veterans' hospital.
• Disturbed by his perception of his hands growing.
• Released from hospital due to space issues, returns to the Bottom.
• Creates "National Suicide Day" on January 3rd to cope with fear of unexpected death.
  • Marches through town, ringing a cowbell, carrying a hangman's rope.
  • Initially disturbs residents, later becomes part of community life.

Helene Wright

• Helene, daughter of a Creole prostitute, raised by strict grandmother Cecile.
• Married at 16, builds a respectable life in the Bottom.
• Travels to New Orleans for grandmother Cecile's funeral.
  • Humiliated by a white train conductor, affects her deeply.
  • Meets her mother, Rochelle; daughter Nel encounters her too.

Nel and Sula's Friendship

• Nel befriends Sula, despite Helene's disapproval of Sula's mother, Hannah.
• Helene eventually accepts the friendship due to Sula's behavior around her.

Themes and Commentary

Illusions and Reality

• Medallion's appeal vs. Bottom's historic vibrancy; rich whites displace a unique community.

Chaos and Order

• Shadrack's "Suicide Day" as an attempt to control chaos.
• Helene's strict adherence to order leads to repression.

Racism

• Helene's experience on the train shows the limitations of respectability against racism.
  • Her conformity angers other Black passengers.

Independence and Conformity

• Nel learns strength and independence from her experiences and resolves to set her own course.
• Meeting Rochelle challenges her perception of conventionality and strength.