Motifs/symbols
What is the most identifiable motif?
What is Fire
What is a thematic topic in the novel
What is community
Who are the first two companions for Lauren on her journey?
Harry and Zahra
Where is their hometown?
Where is Robledo, California?
What is the author's tone in regards to drugs?
What is bad. Drugs ruin society
In Octavia Butler's "Parable of the Sower," this motif represents both physical and psychological barriers. What do they signify within the the story?
What are walls, reflecting the separation between communities, the isolation of individuals, and the struggle to create community within a fragmented society?
How are the power dynamics of the government vs civilizations conveyed in the novel?
What are exploring themes of domination, exploitation, resistance, and the complexities of leadership in a world marked by scarcity and uncertainty?
What is a trauma that has bonded the characters and what is an example of how it has affected one of them?
What is loss of family? Answer will vary
Where is their final location located and why is it a good place to settle?
Northern California, access to water and is easily able to be secured from dangers.
What is the significance of Laurens earthseed verses being written in prose?
Poetry is ever changing similar to how Lauren views Earthseed
What is the motif of refugees? Refugees play a huge role in finding help along with making Lauren feel not alone.
What survival strategies does Lauren Olamina employ to navigate the dangerous world she lives in?
What are building community, developing hyperempathy, and creating a belief system centered around Earthseed?
List two physical and two personality characteristics of Lauren
What are 18 year old, person of color and hyper empathy?
What are determined and aware?
Why may water be so much more important in this context?
What is a society that has become so dystopian that water is now incredibly scarce
How is vivid imagery and sensory descriptions to allow the reader to inhabit Lauren’s perspective of hardship?
It is meant to be conveyed as treacherous and a warning to create a better society today.
This motif symbolizes destruction, purification, and transformation. What is its significance in relation to the protagonist's journey?
What is fire, representing both the literal dangers of arson and violence, as well as the metaphorical themes of rebirth, resilience, and the cleansing of old systems?
What role does religion play in "Parable of the Sower," and how does Lauren’s creation of Earthseed reflect her beliefs about humanity's future?
What is providing hope, purpose, and guidance in a world where there is no stability and danger everywhere?
What role does hyper empathy play in Lauren’s life and actions?
What is building compassion for others while at the same time strengthening her need for survival and mental stability.
What does the Author saying about the future climate wise?
Global warming can hit extremes and is emphasized to promote change with the fire motif.
How does Butler's writing style in the novel contribute to the immersive experience of the reader within the dystopian world she creates?
How is vivid imagery and sensory descriptions to allow the reader to inhabit Lauren’s perspective of hardship?
This motif symbolizes hope, growth, and the potential for renewal. How does its significance evolve throughout the narrative?
What are seeds, serving as a metaphor for Lauren's Earthseed philosophy, the nurturing of ideas, and the cultivation of a better future within chaos and despair?
How does Octavia Butler address issues of socio-economic inequality in "Parable of the Sower," particularly through the stark contrast between the gated community of Robledo and the impoverished neighborhoods surrounding it?
What are illustrating the consequences of wealth disparity, lack of access to resources, and the breakdown of social structures?
How do the roles of minor characters picked up on the journey towards freedom represent such a big role?
It represents the good in the bad and that the effects of all the bad problems have consequences on many.
What was the town RSF bought and why was this a significant event?
What is Olivar? Second part to question will vary but should follow the lines of The U.S is no longer a superpower and/or coastal cities are sinking as a result of global warming and the U.S’ final hope of saving these cities is outsourcing them to other countries.
"What specific literary device is frequently employed by Octavia Butler in 'Parable of the Sower' to emphasize Lauren's resilience and adaptability?"
What are journal entries and first- person narrative to give the readers direct insight to Lauren’s feelings?