When no
influence is strong enough To unify people They divide. They
struggle, One against one, Group against group, For survival,
position, power.
Parable
of the Sower, p. 103
Discussion questions
Lauren Olamina is afflicted with a fictional condition, called hyper-empathy syndrome, that she takes pains to hide from others. Why did Butler give Lauren this affliction, and why is protection of her secret so important to Lauren?
Trust and its lack play major roles in the development of the novel's plot and characters. What roles do compassion and trust play in relationship- and community-building, both in the book and in life?
On occasion, Lauren's father employs physical violence to maintain order and safety for his family and neighborhood. Is violence and/or coercion necessary to protect social systems?
What do you think the people in the walled neighborhood where Lauren grew up could have done to better help themselves or others? When the story begins, is it already too late for them to improve their situations?
How does Lauren take leadership of the group? Would you unite forces with Lauren and follow her? Why or why not?
The government in Butler's novel is barely present, with the exception of corrupt police and expensive fire service. What, if any, parallels exist between Butler's depiction of government and what we experience today?
