
Book Review Sample: Human Connection in Toni's 'Sula' and O’Brien’s 'The Things They Carried'
English 17/5/2024 The Price of Identity: Examining Human Connection in Toni Morrison’s Sula and Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried Both Toni Morrison’s Sula and Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried delve into the intricacies of human connection, revealing the challenges of belonging to a group and the isolation that often accompanies it. Morrison’s Sula critiques the constraints and complexities within the African American community, while O’Brien’s The Things They Carried examines the psychological toll of war and the role of camaraderie in coping with the horrors of combat. Together, these works provide profound insights into how social circumstances shape identity and the importance of human connection. Human Connection and Isolation in Sula In Sula, the Bottom—a close-knit African American community—symbolizes collective human connection. Despite being marginalized, the Bottom fosters a sense of unity, shared history, and mutual support. However, this solidarity comes at a cost: strict adherence to social conventions, particularly regarding gender roles and beauty standards. Sula Peace, the novel’s titular character, disrupts this harmony when she returns to the Bottom after a ten-year absence. Her rejection of traditional family roles and her pursuit of individuality alienate her from the community, which views her with hostility and suspicion. Sula’s isolation underscores a central theme: while personal freedom is empowering, it often comes at the expense of meaningful human connections. Her loneliness, particularly at the end of her life, highlights the emotional void caused by disconnection, emphasizing that self-fulfillment is incomplete without social bonds. Sula’s complex friendship with Nel Wright further illustrates the fragile nature of human connections. Despite societal expectations, their bond transcends personal differences and provides a sanctuary of mutual understanding. However, this connection is tested and ultimately shattered when Sula betrays Nel by sleeping with her husband. This betrayal underscores how easily trust can be eroded by moral failings and personal desires. Feminist scholar Bell Hooks, in her book We Real Cool: Black Men and Male Identity (2004), critiques how communities often enforce patriarchal norms, limiting women’s freedom while also fostering resilience and solidarity. Nel’s journey reflects this tension. Initially defying societal expectations through her friendship with Sula, Nel eventually prioritizes the stability and acceptance of the Bottom’s traditional values. This evolution highlights the complex interplay between individuality and social norms within African American communities. The novel also explores familial connections, particularly through Sula’s unconventional matriarchal family. Her grandmother, Eva Peace, sacrifices her leg to secure insurance money to support her children, demonstrating the depth of familial love. However, Eva’s decision to euthanize her son, Plum, illustrates the darker, more controlling aspects of familial bonds. These dynamics highlight how family ties can simultaneously nurture and constrain individual identity. The Bonds of Brotherhood in The Things They Carried Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried examines the profound connections forged among soldiers during the Vietnam War. These bonds are born of shared experiences: the constant threat of death, the psychological burdens of combat, and the unspoken understanding of each other’s fears and vulnerabilities. However, the camaraderie among soldiers comes with a cost. To maintain their place within the group, they suppress vulnerability and carry not only physical loads but also the emotional weight of performing strength. Psychologist Jonathan Shay, in Apollo in Vietnam (2017), describes this phenomenon as “moral injury”—the psychological damage caused by actions or experiences that violate one’s core moral beliefs. Rat Kiley, a character in O’Brien’s book, exemplifies this. Beneath his bravado lies a reservoir of trauma and fear, which surfaces when the demands of war break through his carefully constructed facade. In addition to the bonds formed among comrades, the soldiers’ connections with loved ones back home serve as lifelines. Letters, photographs, and mementos provide solace amidst the chaos of war. For example, Lieutenant Jimmy Cross treasures letters from Martha, clinging to the hope of love and a life beyond the battlefield. These connections, however, are strained by the passage of time, distance, and the inevitable changes in their lives at home. Storytelling emerges as a powerful tool for maintaining connections between the living and the fallen. By sharing stories, the soldiers preserve the memories of their comrades and process their grief, creating a bridge between the past and the present. O’Brien underscores the role of storytelling in ensuring that the sacrifices of the dead are not forgotten, keeping their legacies alive. The Power of Human Connection Both Sula and The Things They Carried explore the profound impact of human connection on identity and emotional well-being. In The Things They Carried, the soldiers’ bonds help them navigate the trauma of war, providing a support system that fosters resilience and belonging. In contrast, Sula illustrates the consequences of rejecting communal ties. Sula’s pursuit of individuality leads to profound isolation, leaving her yearning for acceptance and connection. These contrasting narratives highlight a universal truth: while individuality is important, human connection is essential for fulfillment. As social psychologist Matthew Lieberman (2013) asserts, our need for connection is as fundamental as our need for food and water. Social pain, such as heartbreak or loneliness, is as real and impactful as physical pain. Lieberman’s theory finds resonance in both Sula and The Things They Carried, demonstrating that human connection is vital to our sense of self and our ability to thrive. Conclusion By examining Sula and The Things They Carried, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human connection and its role in shaping identity. Both works underscore the importance of balancing individuality with belonging, revealing that true fulfillment comes from meaningful relationships. If you’re looking to analyze literary works or need expert guidance on essay writing, our team of professional writers is here to help. Whether you’re exploring complex themes or crafting a standout college essay, we’ve got you covered. Works Cited Goleman, Daniel. “Why We Are Wired to Connect.” Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2013, www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-we-are-wired-to-connect/. Hooks, Bell. We Real Cool: Black Men and Male Identity. Routledge, 2004. Lieberman, Matthew. Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect. Crown, 2013. Morrison, Toni. Sula. Alfred A. Knopf, 1973. National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. Place Matters: The Environment We Create Shapes the Foundations of Healthy Development. Working Paper No. 16. 2023, developingchild.harvard.edu. O’Brien, Tim. The Things They Carried. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1990. Shay, Jonathan. Apollo in Vietnam. 2017.