1. Sula's Birth Mark
1.1. sexuality:
1.1.1. Once symbolic of her blossoming phase, now symbolic of her robust sexuality and alluring disposition.
1.1.2. The scent of a rose is intoxicating and alluring and connotes lust, attraction and infatuation with what appeals to more than just the eye.
1.1.2.1. echoes the connotations of the Gardenia scent worn by Nel's grandmother Rochelle. Both women represent promiscuity and conflict for Nel.
1.2. religion:
1.2.1. Jude see's Sula's birthmark as a rattlesnake or a copperhead, demonstrating his sinful perception of her. It gives her an ere of danger.
1.2.1.1. Sula's Sexuality reflects Hannah's - similar but different. Vygotsky's Theory of Learning - Behavior is copied.
1.3. Nature's influence inside and out:
1.3.1. The blossoming and evolution of the meaning behind Sula's birthmark demonstrates the significance of nature's influence inside and outside of the body
1.3.1.1. Souis-generis - self generating.
2. "Sticks and Mud" inside of Nel
2.1. Demonstrates how Nel has been uprooted by Sula's actions
2.1.1. contrasts Souis Generis nature of Sula. and highlights co-dependency issues within Nel. Passed down by her mother and agitated by the absence of Jude.
2.1.2. destructive forces of nature to represent destructive emotions - philosophy adopted by the community as well.
3. The Robins
3.1. associated with the return of Sula and the coming of Evil. "pearly shit"all over the town demonstrates Sula's impact on the community - like an infection.
3.2. "The Bottom" being at the top ironically and it's symbolic closeness to the "bottom of heaven" also represent's the importance of faith within the community.
3.2.1. The birds arrival is taken seriously by the community as an omen and and is emphasized by the positioning of the town. this emphasizes Morrison's craft in how she converges nature and religion to emphasize the gravity of Sula's return.
3.2.1.1. this is even further emphasized when Sula disagrees about God with Eva, in addition to putting her into a nursing home and going against the values and standards of the community.