TL;DR
In 'Parable of the Sower,' Octavia E. Butler constructs a dystopian world where teenager Lauren Olamina creates a new religion, Earthseed, to address societal collapse.
What is Parable of the Sower about
Set in a near-future California devastated by economic hardship, environmental disaster, and rampant violence, 'Parable of the Sower' follows the journey of teenage Lauren Olamina. Suffering from hyperempathy, Lauren witnesses the downfall of civilization from her gated community. Driven by a vision for a better future, she develops Earthseed, a new religion centered on the concept that 'God is Change.' As she navigates a world filled with danger, she gathers followers and seeks to establish a new community based on Earthseed's principles.
Parable of the Sower 5 Key Takeaways
Collapse of Society
The story is set in a dystopian future where society has disintegrated due to economic collapse, climate change, and societal neglect. This background sets the stage for Lauren's journey.
Lauren's Hyperempathy
Lauren Olamina, the protagonist, suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her feel the pain of others. This shapes her worldview and her actions throughout the novel.
Creation of Earthseed
Facing the chaos around her, Lauren creates Earthseed, a new belief system that posits 'God is Change.' This religion becomes the foundation for her vision of a new society.
Journey and Survival
Lauren embarks on a perilous journey northward after her community is destroyed. Along the way, she encounters various hazards and forms a group of followers who believe in Earthseed.
Formation of a New Community
The novel concludes with Lauren and her followers establishing a new community based on Earthseed principles, signifying hope and new beginnings amid the ruins of the old world.
Top Parable of the Sower Quotes
- 'All that you touch You Change. All that you Change Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change.'
- 'In order to rise from its own ashes, a phoenix first must burn.'
Who should read Parable of the Sower?
This book is ideal for readers interested in speculative fiction, dystopian narratives, and thought-provoking social commentary. It offers valuable insights into resilience, adaptation, and the power of belief systems.
Parable of the Sower Best Reviews
- The New York Times hailed it as 'a gripping tale of survival and the resilience of the human spirit, wrapped in a narrative that feels eerily prescient.'
- Publishers Weekly praised Butler's 'masterful storytelling and creation of a world that feels both distant and uncomfortably close.'
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Parable of the Sower FAQs
What is the storyline of the parable of the sower?
In 'Parable of the Sower,' a teenage girl named Lauren Olamina navigates a dystopian world ravaged by societal collapse while developing a new religion called Earthseed.
Why should I read the parable of the sower?
The book offers a compelling narrative on survival, societal collapse, and the power of belief systems. It's a thought-provoking read with important lessons about humanity and change.
How many books are in the Parable of the Sower series?
There are two books in the series: 'Parable of the Sower' and 'Parable of the Talents.'