Characters
Lilith
Who is a Black woman who is biologically in her late 20s and is the leader of the humans chosen by the Oankali? Much of Lilith’s journey as a character involves her becoming a leader, and the final step sees her rejecting the authority of the Oankali and secretly committing to trying to preserve humanity’s future.
Henrietta Lacks & HeLa Cells
Who and what are immortal human cells taken from cervical cells of an African American woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951. The cells were taken without her permission and have been being used for scientific experiments ever since due to their reproductive qualities.
Control, Autonomy, & Consent
What is the Oankali exert near-total control over the humans' environment and biology, raising questions about free will—especially in how Lilith and others are manipulated physically and emotionally without full consent?
Nikanj
Who is an alien of the Oankali species who is on the verge of reaching the age of fertility? Lilith begins to doubt Nikanj despite their closeness, and it betrays her trust by impregnating her without her knowledge with a part-human, part-Oankali child.
Neo-Slave Narratives
What is a modern work of fiction that relates the themes and experiences of slavery, often re imagining or extending historical accounts to explore different point views of race and oppression.
Scientific Racism & Eugenics
What is the Oankali's justification that their genetic manipulation of humans by claiming to “fix” humanity's self-destructive tendencies?
Paul
Who is a human awakened before Lilith, used by the Oankali in earlier experiments? He serves as a warning of what can happen when the awakening process goes wrong.
Captivity Narratives
What is a genre in which a person, usually from one cultural group, is taken captive by another. There is usually a power dynamic involved. Dawn fits within this tradition because Lilith is captured by the Oankali and forced to adapt to their way of life.
Sexuality & Gender
What is the Oankali's disruption of the gender binary through their disruption of heteronormative structures?
Jdahya
Who is a calm and diplomatic, he helps explain their mission and biology? He acts as a kind of cultural bridge between Lilith and the Oankali early in the book.
Biblical Origins
Who is Adam’s first wife, who refuses to submit to him and is cast out of Eden. She becomes a figure of rebellion, exile, and transformation.
Humanity & Evolution
What is the central conflict revolving around whether humanity can—or should—evolve by merging with another species, questioning what traits make us human and whether change equals loss?
Joseph
Who is a Chinese Canadian man of about 40 who becomes Lilith’s mate after she Awakens him? Due to his accent and his closeness to Lilith, he becomes a target of suspicion, particularly from Curt, who will ultimately murder Joseph over these suspicions.
Criticism & Self-Criticism
What are concepts associated with Marxist and Maoist political philosophy. Referring to the practice of critically evaluating each other's actions and policies, as well as engage in self-examination to improve ideological discipline and collective unity.
Motherhood & Leadership
What is Lilith embodying both a literal and symbolic mother—she is expected to “birth” a new hybrid generation and lead humanity’s revival, even as she is mistrusted and isolated for it?