There’s something about the way Octavia Butler shaped her story, “Parable of the Sower,” that made it less shockingly horrific than the other dystopian sci-fi novels I’ve read. However, her ability to draw from very real, contemporary ideas makes it more tangible…and so I sit in contemplation of that tangibility…seeing how so much of the world she creates sits at a tipping point from where we are today, and all we need to do is give it a good push.
The central character, Lauren, is a survivor. She rises from the ashes of her destroyed community and annihilation of her family and friends. She planned ahead, saw the danger coming, and was as ready as any human could be when the pivot point to the hero’s journey began. Instead of figuring out the powers-that-be, discovering some insidious plot against humanity, or putting on a false identity in order to survive – she is simply Lauren, surviving the best she can.
A central theme to Lauren’s perspective is compassion. Without giving too much away, she has an ability to connect with and take on other people’s feelings: hyperempathy. This leads her to interesting choices in how she deals with others, whether directly or in observation, as both scenarios can trigger this ability. From the beginning, she employs a core value of helping your neighbor – wanting to teach others, be prepared for the danger, be involved – even as a teenager. She demonstrates a love of life and extends this to her fellow human beings and the natural world around her. But she isn’t a fool.
The world is falling apart (dystopian novel), and there are dangers around every corner. Real dangers that we see today – theft, murder, gangs, natural disasters, street battles – plague her and her family and those in her exodus away from the pain…or at least toward lesser pain. Lauren doesn’t let her compassion rule her – she’s willing to do the worst in order to protect herself and others, and she delineates compassion from trust. However, she rules her compassion, and uses it to placate others, create allies, create a tribe of sorts, and prepare for the future.
“Taking care of other people can be a good cure for nightmares.“
Lauren Olamina, “Parable of the Sower,” by Octavia Butler, 1993.
And, as the quote above states, in a way, compassion is good medicine. Compassion comes from a Latin root meaning to “suffer with.” Compassion is a much prettier term than to suffer with someone. I think the definition gets lost. Compassion becomes synonymous with kindness and generosity…maybe someone who has a good ear or shoulder to cry on. “Parable of the Sower” gave me something to think about: what does it mean to suffer with someone…to take on their pain while still being able to help them. Maybe kindness is a step toward compassion and generosity an outcome?
I wonder…what if we spent less time trying to figure out the government, a conspiracy (even if true), or the underpinnings of one or more groups that make us afraid…and more time just sitting with one another, talking with one another, sharing with one another…suffering with one another? There’s something there that has me thinking.
There’s a sequel to this, but I don’t think I’ll read it. I like how this one ended and leaving it at that.
a tilting of air 