by Toni Morrison

Sula Theme of Compassion and Forgiveness

Sula ends with a message about how an inability or unwillingness to grant compassion and forgiveness can have a lasting effect on a person. Compassion and forgiveness aren't always easy to muster, and we certainly understand why some characters are unable to forgive for a long, long time. But we also learn that an inability to forgive can lead to regret.

Questions About Compassion and Forgiveness

  1. Does Nel really forgive Sula in the end?
  2. Are there instances when characters surprise us with their compassion?
  3. Do any characters need to forgive themselves for something?

Chew on This


We should forgive Sula for her actions since she is a product of her environment and her childhood.

There are some things that are unforgivable between friends. Sula ruined Nel's life and doesn't show any remorse, so she doesn't deserve Nel's compassion.

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