I Forgot Octavia Butler

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Yesterday I posted a list of the best fiction novels on the themes of fascism and authoritarianism. You can check it out here. I, however, forgot the work of one very important author, Octavia Butler. The books sit within eyeshot of my desk, and both of them, as well as others by the same author, have been read and reread by me over many years now. Rather than get into the slip appearing to be about taking Butler for granted and all that implies as, well, it’s pretty strongly implied here, I offer instead two novel by her that fit the bill.

The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler

Set in a dystopian, near-future America ravaged by climate change, economic collapse, and social chaos, The Parable of the Sower follows the journey of Lauren Olamina, a young Black woman with a condition called "hyper-empathy," a condition that causes her to feel others' pain as her own. As the world around her breaks down, Lauren begins to develop her own spiritual belief system, Earthseed, which envisions humanity's destiny as colonizing other planets. The novel is a stark portrayal of societal collapse and the quest for survival and meaning in an increasingly violent world.

Lauren navigates a dangerous world where communities are destroyed. In this near-future, self-sufficiency is essential, emphasizing the importance of preparation, resilience, and adaptability in the face of societal collapse.

Earthseed's central tenet is that "God is Change." Lauren builds her spiritual philosophy around the idea that change is inevitable, and learning to shape it can lead to survival and growth.

Despite the chaos around her, Lauren strives to build a community based on mutual support and shared vision, highlighting the necessity of cooperation and solidarity in times of crisis. For those of us concerned about the progress of authoritarianism, the novel’s exploration of the devastating effects of environmental destruction, economic inequality, and corporate greed is a teacher and, ironically, a source of hope and inspiration.

The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler

The Parable of the Talents is the sequel to The Parable of the Sower and continues the story of Lauren Olamina as she attempts to spread the teachings of Earthseed. The novel is told partly from the perspective of her daughter, Larkin, who reflects on her mother’s life and mission. In this world, a Christian fundamentalist government rises to power, and Lauren’s utopian vision of society faces opposition from an authoritarian regime. The novel explores the clash between religious dogma, personal freedom, and Lauren's drive to ensure humanity’s survival through Earthseed's mission.

A core theme is the rise of a fascistic government based on Christian fundamentalism, echoing concerns about the dangers of religious authoritarianism. The novel shows how such a regime can deploy use fear, violence, and ideology to suppress dissent, and sends us a warning today, at time when extremely repressive theocratic politics is on the rise, and increasingly tolerant, or even obliquely valorizing, of violence in defense of religious beliefs.

Lauren’s mission with Earthseed is met with resistance from oppressive forces, highlighting the tension between those who seek freedom and self-determination and those who impose control through violence and doctrine. But Lauren continues to resist societal collapse and fascist control, embodying resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The novel explores how individuals and communities can survive—and even thrive—amid political repression.

Like The Parable of the Sower, the sequel focuses on Earthseed's long-term vision of humanity reaching for the stars. This ambition serves as a symbol of hope, even in the most difficult of times, and underscores the importance of striving for something greater than survival.

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Both The Parable of the Sower and The Parable of the Talents offer deep insights into the dangers of authoritarianism, the power of belief systems, and the resilience of individuals and communities in times of collapse. Butler's vision is deeply rooted in contemporary social, environmental, and political issues, making her novels highly relevant today. These works provide readers with an understanding of how power, oppression, and hope intersect in dystopian realities.