As complex entities, humans are like prisms: we have many layers that constitute our inherent nature. During various interactions and instances, we react differently and thus allow new parts of us to become apparent. Sula, in Toni Morrison's novel of the same name, is a complex character, whose various qualities materialize when she faces new situations. His multiple attributes are manifested by the birthmark above his eye. Sula's inherently complex nature causes the people in her life to perceive the brand differently. From the snake to the rose to the tadpole, these varied perceptions all reflect symbols created in their imaginations, but all represent true attributes of Sula's temperament. To present herself as a progressive, complex and individual person, Sula embraces the impurity of her birthmark and allows all of its symbolism to envelop her in her inherent characteristics: the sensuality of the rose, the cunning of the serpent and the transformation of the tadpole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Living in a community where African American women had very specific roles, Sula allowed herself to ignore norms societal and to embrace the sensuality of the rose. As a sexually free woman, Sula offered herself a center through sexual intercourse. Unlike other women, she embraced sensuality and passion. She had sex for her personal benefit, not for the pleasure of her male counterparts. “She waited patiently for him to turn away…leaving her in a post-coital intimacy in which she met, welcomed, and joined in incomparable harmony” (123). In this way, she distinguished herself from other women; Sula never cared about anything other than her own feelings. Sula also educated her friend Nel by showing her that freedom of mind and body were powerful attributes that a woman could evoke. When Sula cut off her finger, Nel saw female determination. The Peace house fell under Nel's spell, showing her a world forged, led and favored by women. Sula's sensual tendencies even got sensual. Unlike Nel, she never dreamed of love or comfort, but instead fantasized about "a gray and white horse tasting sugar and smelling roses under the eyes of someone who shared both the taste and speed” (52). By not being afraid of how others perceived her sensuality, Sula embodied the rose and allowed her complexity to set a precedent for the flourishing of individuality and boldness. Like all complex people, Sula balanced her positive attributes with evil characteristics. She developed the evil serpent above her eyes by participating in malicious acts, sleeping with men for personal gain, even when they were still married men. This caused controversy within the city. “And the fury she created among the women of the city was incredible, because she bedded their husbands once and more” (115). Bottom residents also believed that Sula pushed children around, came to church without underwear, and devalued their hard, cooked food. However, many of these perceived harmful acts were mistakes and subsequently produced positive results, as they caused the city to change for the better. "They began to cherish their husbands and wives, to protect their children, to repair their houses and, in general, to unite against.