As complex entities, human beings are like prisms: we have different layers that make up our intrinsic nature. During various interactions and instances, we react differently and thus allow new parts of us to become evident. Sula, in Toni Morrison's novel of the same name, is a complex character, whose different qualities materialize when she faces new situations. His many attributes manifest as a birthmark above his eye. Sula's inherently complex nature makes the people in her life perceive the brand differently. From the snake, to the rose, to the tadpole, these different perceptions all mirror the symbols created in their imagination, but represent all the true attributes of Sula's character. To represent a progressive, complex and individual person, Sula embraces the impurity of her birthmark and allows all its symbolism to envelop her in her intrinsic characteristics: sensuality of the rose, cunning of the serpent and transformation of the tadpole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Living in a community where African American women had specific roles, Sula allowed herself to ignore social norms and embrace the sensuality of the rose. As a sexually liberated woman, Sula provided a center for herself through sexual intercourse. Unlike other women, she embraced sensuality and passion. She had sex for her own personal gain, not for the pleasure of her male colleagues. “She waited patiently for him to walk away…leaving her in a postcoital intimacy in which she met herself, welcomed herself, and joined herself in unparalleled harmony” (123). In this way she distinguished herself from other women; Sula never becomes attached to anything other than her own feelings. Sula also sensualized her friend Nel by showing her that freedom of spirit and body were powerful attributes that a woman could evoke. When Sula cut her finger, Nel saw female determination. The Peace family fell in love with Nel by showing her a world shaped, guided and promoted by women. Sula's sensual tendencies have even sensualized herself. Unlike Nel, she never dreamed of love or comfort, but instead fantasized about "a gray and white horse that tasted sugar and smelled of roses before the eyes of someone who shared both the taste and the speed" (52). Unafraid of how others viewed her sensuality, Sula embodied the rose and allowed her complexity to set a precedent for individuality and boldness to flourish. Like all intricate people, Sula balanced her positive attributes with evil characteristics. She developed the evil serpent above her eyes by participating in malevolent acts, as she slept with men for personal gain, even when they were still married men. This caused controversy within the city. “And the fury he aroused in the women of the city was incredible, for they would leave their husbands once and never again” (115). People at the Fund also believed that Sula pushed children to the ground, came to church without underwear, and belittled their hard-cooked food. However, many of these perceived harmful actions were mistakes and subsequently produced positive results, as they led the city to change for the better. “They began to love their husbands and wives, protect their children, repair their homes, and generally unite against the devil in their midst” (117). Therefore, just like the cunning serpent, Sula's evil acts also had a positive purpose, as they connected the people of the Fund to themselves, their families, and each other..