Morrison, Toni: 1931 - 2019
Sula, 1980 - Language/Style
- English Language Level: Medium
- Vocabulary – Most of the words are common, everyday English, but Morrison occasionally uses less common words or idiomatic expressions, which may require context clues.
Sentence Structure – The sentences vary—some are simple and direct, but others are long, layered, and descriptive, which can be a bit challenging to follow.
Figurative Language – Morrison frequently uses metaphors, symbolism, and imagery, which require readers to think beyond the literal meaning.
Dialect/Voice – Some characters speak in regional or African American Vernacular English, which can be unfamiliar or slightly harder to understand for some readers (e.g. “She don’t know” instead of “She doesn’t know;” “wanna” for want to).
- Vocabulary – Most of the words are common, everyday English, but Morrison occasionally uses less common words or idiomatic expressions, which may require context clues.
- The language is mostly accessible but includes some complex sentence structures, figurative language, and occasional dialect that may challenge less experienced readers.