Questions and Answers
Who is Lauren Olamina?
The novel's narrator and protagonist.
Who is Reverend Olamina?
A Baptist teacher and Lauren Olamina's father.
Who is Cory Olamina?
Lauren's Mexican-American stepmother and Reverend Olamina's second wife.
Who is Keith Olamina?
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Who is Joanne Garfield?
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Who is Zahra Moss?
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Who is Richard Moss?
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Who is Curtis Talcott?
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Who is Marcus Olamina?
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Who is Gregory Olamina?
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Who is Bennett Olamina?
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Who is Alicia Catalina Godinez Leal?
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What does Lauren dream about in Chapter 1?
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What causes Lauren to be born with hyperempathy?
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What does Lauren plan to do when she turns eighteen?
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What is Earthseed?
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What happens to Amy Dunn in Chapter 5?
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What does Lauren's father focus on when discussing safety?
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What does Lauren's father want for the neighborhood?
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What happens in Chapter 12 when Lauren's father disappears?
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Study Notes
Key Characters
- Lauren Olamina: Narrator and protagonist, born with hyperempathy.
- Reverend Olamina: Lauren’s father, a Baptist teacher dealing with declining church attendance.
- Cory Olamina: Lauren’s Mexican-American stepmother, supportive yet struggling with the family dynamics.
- Keith Olamina: Lauren’s elder half-brother, whose troubled behavior leads to tragic outcomes.
- Joanne Garfield: Lauren’s childhood friend, represents denial of their harsh realities.
- Zahra Moss: A young woman purchased by Richard Moss, reflects social issues in relationships.
- Richard Moss: Polygamist leader of the Moss family, embodies twisted social structures.
- Curtis Talcott: Lauren’s boyfriend, caught between conventional roles and a desire for change.
Setting and Society
- Robledo: Fictional community near Los Angeles, plagued by violence, scarcity of resources, and social decay.
- Economic and Social Decline: Water scarcity has intensified; gasoline is primarily accessed by the wealthy.
- Church Influence: Many churches, including Reverend Olamina's, have suffered due to violence, leading to home services.
Themes
- Survival and Preparedness: Lauren’s focus on survivalism highlights her attempts to cope with societal collapse.
- Hyperempathy: Lauren experiences others' suffering deeply, complicating her interactions and emotional state.
- Religion and Belief Systems: Shift from traditional faith to Lauren's evolving belief called Earthseed, emphasizing adaptability and change.
Significant Events and Plot Points
- Lauren's Dreams: Recurring dreams of flying symbolize her struggle for control and freedom.
- Death of Amy Dunn: Tragic event illustrating the neighborhood's violence, prompting Lauren’s fears about safety.
- Tension in Family: Keith’s reckless actions create a toxic family environment leading to confrontation and violence.
- Growth of Earthseed: Lauren renames her belief system Earthseed, aiming to prepare herself and others for an uncertain future.
Social Dynamics
- Community vs. Individualism: Characters negotiate personal desires against the backdrop of communal survival.
- Youth and Innocence Lost: Young characters face harsh realities that force them into adulthood prematurely.
- Religious Approaches: Differing beliefs among characters reflect varied responses to chaos—some cling to traditions, others adapt.
Plot Development
- Robbery and Violence: Increased crime culminates in the murder and abuse of vulnerable community members, highlighting desperation.
- Keith’s Criminal Path: His descent into crime illustrates the collapse of family structure and moral values.
- Final Tragedy: The fire at the Payne-Parrish house marks a pivotal moment of loss for Lauren’s community, pushing her toward decisive action.
Character Evolution
- Lauren’s Leadership: As chaos escalates, Lauren transitions into a leadership role, embodying her belief system.
- Deterioration of the Family Unit: As family members make choices based on survival instincts, their bonds weaken, evoking Lauren's isolation.
Future Seeking
- Escape Plans: Lauren’s desire to flee north signifies hope for a new beginning amidst despair.
- Shift in Responsibilities: With her father gone, Lauren steps up to educate the neighborhood children, emphasizing resilience and adaptation in crisis.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the key characters and concepts from chapters 1 to 13 of the novel 'Parable of the Sower.' These flashcards will help you familiarize yourself with important figures like Lauren Olamina and her family relationships. Perfect for students studying Octavia Butler's work.
