LTP 4 Dawn
Jubal Tiner
Views of Dawn The novel Dawn, by Octavia Butler, possess many good qualities. Unlike many novels, Butler provides a clear and conceivable explanations for the biological events that take place in the story. Her main character demonstrates moral and ethical dilemmas that can relate to a person's normal life. These dilemmas can also compare to problems of slavery among African Americans in the past. Butler's African American heritage may have brought her to write such interesting literature. The story begins with the protagonist, Lilith awakening from a type of REM sleep that has lasted for some time. She finds herself on a space ship full of aliens. She remembers that there was a nuclear war, on earth (humanicide) , and she was one of the few survivors left. The few remaining survivors were captured by the Oankali. These were aliens like species that travel throughout the universe to find other species to breed with in order to construct new genes. Lilith is ultimately brought to this new place to help humans adapt to this new "culture". However, she fears these creatures but forces herself to overcome her repulsion and to learn about the Oankalie and the plans they have for the remaining humans. The Oankali are very genetically engineered creatures that can adapt or evolve their …show more content…
She becomes pregnant and must decide to have a half alien baby, or to commit suicide. The deicision of having a child can relate to today's society. Should interracial babies be a problem among families. This again leads us to the racism issue. Should single moms be able to raise a child own their own. Should teenagers be allowed to have children. This is a question and dilemma that many pregnant women have to face everyday. Lilith decides to have her child, because it is a precious life that she wants to save. Overall this baby is apart of