Parable of the Sower CH. 1-13 Flashcards

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.