Sula and Nel's Unhealthy RelationshipOrganisms in nature rely on each other for their well-being. However, sometimes these organisms become greedy and decide to take part in the relationship, instead of sharing it with their symbiotic partner. Through this action it takes on parasitic characteristics. In Toni Morrison's work, Sula, Sula Peace and Nel Wright demonstrate how a symbiotic relationship goes awry. When one partner cheats on the other, taking instead of giving, the other partner suffers. Nel and Sula's relationship suffers as Sula unfortunately takes actions that lead her to take part in a parasitic relationship in which she begins to wither. Nel rejects the parasitic lifestyle and relationship, which makes Sula wither. In the midst of her death, Sula finally realizes that she needs the symbiotic relationship with Nel to survive. The interactions between Sula and Nel began symbiotically; however, he develops into a parasite with Sula's dependence on Nel. The symbiotic nature between Sula and Nel began during their teenage years. Sula depended on Nel for sturdiness and comfort, while Nel preferred her counterpart's unpredictable nature. They used each other's lifestyle to compensate for their own shortcomings by fitting into the other's environment. When Sula visited Nel's house, "Nel, who regarded the oppressive cleanliness with terror, felt at ease in it, with Sula" (Morrison 29). Likewise, Sula found comfort within the walls of the Wright home. They took comfort in each other's presence. Everyone finds comfort in... middle of paper... in her. The betrayal of the symbiotic relationship led to the inevitable result of becoming a parasite. He made the decision and had to live with the consequences. Death would be its final consequence. Works Cited Bulfinch, Tomas. The Mythology of Bulfinch. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1947. Dudley, Ruth H. Partners in Nature. New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, Inc., 1965. Morrison, Toni. Sula. New York: Penguin Books Ltd, 1973. O'Neill, Cynthia. Goddesses, Heroes and Shamans. New York: Larousse Kingfisher Chambers Inc., 1994. Simon, Hilda. Partners, hosts and parasites. New York: The Viking Press, 1970.