The novel’s central focus on the complex friendship between Sula Peace and Nel Wright mirrors Morrison’s interest in exploring the bonds between women amidst societal pressures.

Morrison’s family background also shaped her storytelling. The multigenerational female household in Sula—with Sula’s grandmother and mother embodying different survival strategies—echoes Morrison’s own upbringing in a family that valued storytelling and resilience.

Nel Wright - Nel, on the other hand, represents the more conventional and conformist side of the African American experience. She is portrayed as Sula's childhood friend and foil, initially drawn to Sula's rebellious nature but eventually succumbing to societal pressures and embracing traditional values. Nel's character highlights the struggle between individuality and conformity within the black community.

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Male Absenteeism
Many of the male characters in Sula are absent, abusive, or emotionally unavailable. This pattern of male escapism and disengagement underscores the impact of paternal absence on families and individual development. The novel questions to what extent mothers will go to protect their children from this harsh reality.

Race and Racism
Like much of Morrison's work, Sula grapples with the struggles of black people living in America's racist society. The characters face a history of white oppression and manipulation, with the Bottom community itself being built on land that was considered worthless until whites wanted it. Morrison's vivid language paints a textured picture of this black community.

Love, Sexuality, and Gender Roles
The novel examines the complexities of love and sexuality, showing how characters' love for each other can lead to cruelty and even violence. It also offers a female-centric perspective, with the men often absent or unable to be "pinned down" for long. The story delves into the challenges of motherhood and the limited gender roles available to black women in this society.

Through the intertwined lives of Sula and Nel, Morrison crafts a rich, multilayered story that provides a mirror for readers to assess societal expectations and their own judgments of right and wrong. The novel's themes of friendship, identity, race, love, and gender roles are woven together through Morrison's powerful prose.

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Scholars and critics often analyzed "Sula" for its thematic depth and stylistic elements. The novel's exploration of dualities (good vs. evil, conformity vs. individuality) and its portrayal of a black community's internal dynamics drew significant attention.

By 1980, "Sula" had become a subject of academic study. It was included in curricula for its literary merit and its capacity to provoke discussions on various socio-cultural issues. Morrison's work was seen as essential reading for understanding contemporary American literature and the African American experience.

Among general readers, "Sula" had a mixed but generally positive reception. Some readers appreciated the novel's emotional depth and lyrical prose, while others found its structure and themes challenging. However, it continued to gain a loyal readership over the years.

In summary, by 1980, "Sula" was perceived as a significant and influential work in American literature, celebrated for its artistic and thematic contributions and its role in advancing the representation of African American women in fiction.

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