47 pages • 1 hour read
Octavia E. ButlerA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Despite the obvious parallels, Butler insists that “Bloodchild” is not an allegory for slavery. Why do you think it is important that this not be read as a story about slavery? What other important ideas does this allow the story to explore?
In “The Book of Martha,” the protagonist is given the power to better the world. Though she initially has many ideas, when she discusses them with God, it becomes obvious that certain changes would destroy what is fundamentally human, which Martha has been tasked to preserve. What is essential to being human? Can you think of instances in any of the other stories where this question is also being posed?
Many of the stories depict societies that are rebuilding in the face of catastrophe. Imagine a catastrophe has happened and you are tasked with creating a new society: what would your ideal society look like?
By Octavia E. Butler
Adulthood Rites
Adulthood Rites
Octavia E. Butler
Dawn
Dawn
Octavia E. Butler
Fledgling
Fledgling
Octavia E. Butler
Kindred
Kindred
Octavia E. Butler
Parable of the Sower
Parable of the Sower
Octavia E. Butler
Parable of the Talents
Parable of the Talents
Octavia E. Butler
Speech Sounds
Speech Sounds
Octavia E. Butler
The Evening and the Morning and the Night
The Evening and the Morning and the Night
Octavia E. Butler
Wild Seed
Wild Seed
Octavia E. Butler