Theme: Friendship and Betrayal - Mixtape

 Nyemiah Archie

English 2017

Dr.Harris

4/30/25

 Theme: Friendship and Betrayal 

Primary source: Sula by Toni Morrison

Topic: Music as a timeline of friendship and betrayal as an act of liberation.

Explanation: Using Sula, friendship and betrayal is shown in many different complicated ways. I will be using music to show different examples of songs that reflect the nature of friendship and betrayals. 

Introduction 

This mixtape will dive into the themes of friendship and betrayal in Toni Morrison’s Sula. I will be music to highlight the ups and downs of Nel and Sula’s relationship. In the novel, Sula and Nel share a deep friendship that starts when they are young. Their bond was a place of comfort and emotional support. It helped them get through difficulties with family life and the pressure from society. But as they grow older their lives take different directions. Sula starts to break free from rules and expectations while Nel wants to hold onto the morals and structure she grew up with Sula. When Sula betrays Nel by sleeping with her husband, this breaks their friendship. It showed how thin the line was between loyalty and betrayal. This mixtape uses different songs to show how friendship can be uplifting and hurtful.

Tracklist: Friendship and Betrayal in Sula

Track 1

Song: “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers

Contribution: This track captures the support that Nel and Sula gave each other as children. They provide comfort and strength in a world that’s often harsh and unkind. The message in the song is about leaning on someone during a hard time. 

Track 2 

Song: “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King 

Contribution: This song really highlights the deep bond and connection between Nel and Sula during their younger years. It reflects the comfort and reliability they found in one another, no matter the struggles they faced on the Bottom.  

Track 3 

Song: “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan 

Contribution: This track symbolizes the sense of shared identity between Nel and Sula as they grow up together. It speaks to the empowerment and connection they had felt as black women navigating in a world that doesn’t always see them, but together they are stronger. 

Track 4

Song: “My Way” by Frank Sinatra 

Contribution: As Nel and Sula grow older they start going different paths. Sula had begun to go into her own path. She embraced individuality and her freedom. Nel on the other hand starts following the more conventional path for her. “My Way” represents this divide that Sula wants to live on her own terms. 

Track 5

Song: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin 

Contribution: As Nel embraces the norms of upbringing, Sula resists them. “Respect” represents Sula’s desire for independence. She wanted to be respected on her own terms. 

Track 6

Song: “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift 

Contribution: As their differences grow tension starts to grow and building “Bad Blood” reflects how the friendship between these two begin to feel more distant with their unsolved issues pushing them apart. 

Track 7

Song: “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor 

Contribution: This track shows Nels ability to find strength within herself and to move on from the friendship.

Track 8

Song: “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child

Contribution: This track reflects Sula’s decision to live life her own way regardless of societal expectations. She claims her independence even when it pushes her away from Nel.

Track 9

Song: “Wildflower” by Billie Ellish 

Contribution: This song captures the emotional depth of the betrayal of backstabbing a friend for a man. It can show the sadness and vulnerability Nel felt when Sula betrays her sleeping with her husband. It speaks of how the friendship once was and what it became. 

Track 10

 Song: “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton 

Contribution: This track shows the depth of Nels pain after the betrayal. It reflects the grief of the friendship that Nel felt wishing she could undo the damage and go back to the way it was before the betrayal.

Track 11

Song: “Sorry” by Justin Bieber

This song reflects on Sula’s possible regret for what she had done even though she struggles to admit it fully. The song reflects the tension between her pride and desire to apologize.

Track 12

Song: “The Story” by Brandi Carlile 

Contribution: This song represents Nel’s reflection on her friendship with Sula, both the good and the bad. It’s about understanding how much Sula meant to her and how everything went. 

Track 13

Song: “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson

Contribution: This track symbolizes Nel’s growth and resilience after the betrayal. Though she never forgets what happens she becomes stronger and learns to forgive and let go. 

This mixtape reflects the evolving friendship between Sula and Nel, starting with their close bond in childhood, moving through emotional distance, and ending up with betrayal and personal growth. All of these songs show each stage of the complex journey. 

Give it a listen.

https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/sula/pl.u-JPAZb2ZCDqGarBD