Parable of the Sower (novel)

The novel’s protagonist, Lauren Oya Olamina, is a young black woman living in one of the gated communities left in California. The novel follows her journey as she sets out to create a new religion that would help people survive living in the world. The religion she created was called Earthseed, and its core belief is that humans must learn to adapt to new situations and reach out to the stars.

However, Lauren’s journey isn’t easy, and she’s forced to face many challenges and obstacles along the way. Her community is eventually destroyed, and Lauren is forced to set out on her own in search of a safe place to live. Lauren travels through the wasteland that was once the United States, encountering dangers such as drug addicts, slavers, and other violent people.

One of the most significant themes in “Parable of the Sower” is the idea that people have to adapt quickly to changing circumstances in order to survive. This theme is represented in many ways throughout the book, from Lauren’s journey to the people she meets along the way. People have to learn to adapt quickly, or they won’t survive in the new world. This message is particularly important today, with climate change, pandemics, and other threats looming over us. The book teaches readers that the world can be a hostile place, and we must adapt quickly to stay alive.

Another theme that is explored in the book is the importance of community. Lauren’s journey is defined by the people she meets and forms alliances with along the way. Together, they’re able to survive and thrive in a world that seems to be against them. Butler uses Lauren’s journey to illustrate that people need each other to survive, and this is especially true in a world where everything is trying to kill us. The book teaches readers that we are stronger together than we are alone, and that our survival depends on the community around us.

Furthermore, “Parable of the Sower” is also a novel about the potential of human beings. Throughout the novel, Butler’s protagonist is constantly pushing herself to become stronger, smarter, and more adaptable. This push reflects the belief that humans have the potential to achieve greatness, even in the face of challenges. Butler’s novel tells readers that we have the potential to overcome the challenges facing the planet today if we’re willing to put in the work.

In conclusion, “Parable of the Sower” is a timeless novel that is more relevant today than ever before. The book is a call to action that encourages readers to adapt quickly, build communities, and see the potential of human beings. The novel is a warning and a call to arms, asking people to think deeply about their actions and the world they want to create. Butler’s message to her readers is that the world is what we make it, and we must act fast to make it something worth living in.