The 2nd Paper (10 points) is going to be eliminated and the ten points will be divided evenly between the Art Project and the Third paper.
This brings about the following changes:
3rd paper: 15 points (15% of your grade)
Art Project: 25 points (25% of your grade)
Parable of the Sower: Discussion Questions
From reading this book, how would you describe Octavia Butler’s vision of a near future dystopia? What seems very possible to you and what seems very unlikely? Why?
What do you think that Octavia Butler is saying about religion with this novel?
2a. Why does Lauren reject Christianity, and how does the new religion of Earthseed differ from Christianity?
3. Why does this book include the Earthseed verses? What do they add to the story? How do they change over the course of the story? Do you see a connection between them and Lauren’ s actions?
4. How does Butler use the idea of slavery in the novel?
Chapter Specific Questions
Chap 1-6
Why does Lauren have the recurring dream described in Chapter 1?
How did the society described in this story develop? What clues can you find from people’ s descriptions of the past?
Describe Lauren’ s home community. How does it work? What are its strengths? Its weaknesses?
What do you think of Lauren’s idea of change?
What does Lauren mean by the phrase, “Intelligence is demanding”? Do you agree?
Why is the shooting of the dog on pp. 39-40 important?
In the argument between Lauren’s father and Cory on pp. 61-63, who do you agree with? Why?
Chap 7-13
Read what Lauren says about naming on p. 68. What does she mean? Have you ever named something this way? Did it change how you thought about it?
Why is Lauren so excited by the prospect of life on other planets?
Why do you think that Keith acts the way he does? Is he at all similar to Lauren? How are they different?
On p.85, why does Cory say what she does about Lauren? Does she believe it? Why?
Read the verse on p.89. Do you agree or disagree with what it says? What state is our civilization in?
How is Keith’s attitude towards guns different from Lauren’s father’s?
Chap 14-20
Why does Lauren return home after the attack?
How do Lauren’s feelings about her father relate to her ideas about God?
Why does Lauren say, “People forget ideas. They’re more likely to remember God” on p. 198?
Why does Lauren believe that establishing Earthseed communities is necessary?
How does Lauren show her abilities as a leader? Is she a good leader? Why or why not?
Does Bankole remind you of anyone else in the story? Who? Why?
Chap 21-25
Read what Bankole says about religion on p. 234. What do you think? Is he right?
On p. 235, Lauren says, “All that I am now is Earthseed.” What does she mean? What is she saying about adversity?
On p. 240, Lauren says, “Not our only one.” What does she mean? What else do they share?
Read what Lauren says about religion on p. 247. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Why does Octavia Butler include the Bible verse at the end?