Nola Darling, the female protagonist of Spike Lee’s 1986 film She’s Gotta Have It defies the social mores of her community by proclaiming and living a lifestyle in which she is economically independent and sexually liberate. Nola unapologetically enjoys sex with her multiple partners: the rich and egotistical Greer Childs, the playful and immature Mars Blackman, and the secure, yet overbearing Jamie Overstreet. She is very open with her lovers, honest to a fault, where all of her lovers are aware of each other, with each of her suitors constantly trying to persuade Nola on why she should be with them exclusively. Nola states that her objective is to clear her name; Nola feels the need to clarify why she is sexually liberated, and wants to prove
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Firstly, she is continually emotionally and verbally abused by the men who reap the benefits of Nola’s sexual liberation. For example, during a passionate argument between Nola and Greer, he retorts, “I think you’re not sick...but maybe a sex addict.” He even goes so far as telling Nola she needs to seek professional help. Nola in genuine concern, goes so far as to see a therapist for several weeks, distressed that Greer’s hurtful words might have been true. In another heated discussion where Greer is trying to convince Nola to be with him exclusively, Greer states to Nola that he “only talks to fine women”, insinuating that Nola should feel lucky and honored to be linked with him, Greer Childs. Jamie, verbally, inflicts Nola when he once states, “.. I ain’t like you. I can’t spread myself between two, three, or four different people.” In another upsetting scene, where Jamie is upset to have been summoned by Nola for sex and she states to him, “I need you,” he angrily replies, “And all the men in Brooklyn.” Nola pleads with Jamie to “take it back”, where the viewer can feel Nola’s hurt. Nola is hurt by her suitors constantly, and because she refuses to be shamed for having multiple male sex partners, as a woman, it allows the men to feel like it is okay to berate Nola for her sexual
Firstly, she is continually emotionally and verbally abused by the men who reap the benefits of Nola’s sexual liberation. For example, during a passionate argument between Nola and Greer, he retorts, “I think you’re not sick...but maybe a sex addict.” He even goes so far as telling Nola she needs to seek professional help. Nola in genuine concern, goes so far as to see a therapist for several weeks, distressed that Greer’s hurtful words might have been true. In another heated discussion where Greer is trying to convince Nola to be with him exclusively, Greer states to Nola that he “only talks to fine women”, insinuating that Nola should feel lucky and honored to be linked with him, Greer Childs. Jamie, verbally, inflicts Nola when he once states, “.. I ain’t like you. I can’t spread myself between two, three, or four different people.” In another upsetting scene, where Jamie is upset to have been summoned by Nola for sex and she states to him, “I need you,” he angrily replies, “And all the men in Brooklyn.” Nola pleads with Jamie to “take it back”, where the viewer can feel Nola’s hurt. Nola is hurt by her suitors constantly, and because she refuses to be shamed for having multiple male sex partners, as a woman, it allows the men to feel like it is okay to berate Nola for her sexual