Earthseed In Octavia Butler's Parable Of The Sower

Words: 499
Pages: 2
Open Document
In Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler creates an apocalyptic world resulting from the current issues of our time, such as environmental degradation and economic crises caused by excessive hypercapitalism. In a society of gated communities that are closed off from the lawlessness of the outside world, Lauren Olamina realizes the fate that is quickly approaching and prepares for it. Through Lauren's journey, Butler expresses the importance of establishing community and human understanding to survive in a world that is harsh and unforgiving. The most obvious example of community is Earthseed, the religion that Lauren creates. As Lauren explains, Earthseed is founded on certain common principles, and the ultimate destiny of its people is "to take root among the stars" (77). In order to fulfill this destiny, Lauren seeks a group of people willing to protect each other. During a discussion, when Travis asserts that the God of Earthseed is uncaring, Lauren responds with "[all] the more reason to care about myself and others" (221). The central message of Earthseed (and this book in general) is that working together and caring for one another is the key to survival. Working human relationships are essential to a …show more content…
In the aftermath of losing her sister, Allie is angry and devastated, but Lauren's response to Allie's reticence is not one of frustration. Instead, she walks up to Allie and embraces her. This simple act of comfort conveys a message that resonates with everyone—that "you aren't alone. You still have people who care about you and want you to be all right. You still have family" (303). By reacting in this manner, Lauren demonstrates the importance of knowing how to approach a person in just the right way. This incident strengthens the bond between the group members and contributes to the ultimate establishment of
Show More

Related Documents: Earthseed In Octavia Butler's Parable Of The Sower

Octavia E. Butler's Parable Of The Sower

leaving the author a stage to explain human nature at its raw self in a collapsed and desperate world. Through this somber stage, authors can express their interpretations of the doom and salvation of a collapsed society. In Octavia E. Butler’s novel titled Parable of the Sower, Butler sets the stage for her novel in a world that is disastrously affected by climate change, there appears to be some form of normality in place…

Words 1787 - Pages 8

The Parable Of The Sower By Octavia Butler

The "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler is a gripping trip through a dystopian world that has had a significant influence on me. With its backdrop of social breakdown and survival, the story provoked thoughtful reflection on human nature, fortitude, and the value of empathy in the face of hardship. The novel's depiction of a collapsing society struck a chord with me because it was a sharp reminder of the weaknesses in our own world. It was unsettlingly familiar to see the disarray of institutions…

Words 402 - Pages 2

Parable Of The Sower Essay

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler takes place in California from the year 2024 to 2027. The post-apocalyptic type book gives you a glimpse into the near future by exaggerating trends in American life that were present in the 80s and 90s, such as crime, gated communities, illiteracy, drug addiction, and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. Climate change caused by global warming was also a central topic in the novel. The protagonist is an African American girl who is fifteen years old…

Words 795 - Pages 4

Societal Expectations In Ayn Rand's Anthem

always be deep-rooted expectations intertwined into humanity’s way of life and behavior. By living in a society, the influence of societal norms is inevitable and the effect of these expectations on a society is uniformity. Octavia E. Butler, the author of Parable of the Sower, experiments with the idea of defying societal expectations through the protagonist, Lauren Olamina. Lauren lives in a gated community, separated but not shielded from the violence and havoc occurring throughout the country…

Words 2767 - Pages 12

Octavia Butler's Parable Of The Sower

top simply make long-term moves to benefit themselves in the future, such as building bunkers in stolen territories and having a space race amongst themselves. It feels like a prelude to a dystopian novel. In her groundbreaking novel, Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler envisions a dystopian, almost post-apocalyptic future of the United States. The collapse of the American economy and the disintegration of American infrastructure led on by climate change create major…

Words 960 - Pages 4

Go Tell It On The Mountain, By James Baldwin

within race and religion. In James Baldwin’s novel Go Tell it on the Mountain, protagonist John is confronted with the challenges of accepting a destined religion and the impact of conversion. Likewise to Baldwin’s character, in Octavia Butler’s text, Parable of the Sower, Laura deals with the same situation, as it is intertwined with spirituality. Both characters convey oppression through gender and stereotypical differences, and paternal relationships. Also, Baldwin’s work is deeply rooted in literary…

Words 2548 - Pages 11