How does Parable of the Sower explore the competing models of community in a post-apocalyptic world, and how are these models shaped by dynamics of race, gender, and leadership?

•  “Crip Collectivity Beyond Neoliberalism in Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower” by Jess Whatcott ( https://csalateral.org/section/cripistemologies-of-crisis/crip-collectivity-beyond-neoliberalism-octavia-butler-parable-of-the-sower-whatcott/ )

This article explores how Butler critiques neoliberalism by presenting alternative, inclusive models of community rooted in “crip collectivity.” Whatcott examines how Earthseed rejects the hyper-individualism of neoliberalism in favor of interdependence, particularly emphasizing the contributions of disabled individuals in shaping sustainable futures. The analysis also highlights how Earthseed reimagines leadership by centering marginalized identities. This source is valuable for discussing the intersection of disability with race and gender in community-building.

2. “Intersections of Race, Gender, and Community in Octavia Butler’s Earthseed Series” by Anna Hinton ( https://journals.macewan.ca/muse/article/download/2005/1308/3703 )

• Hinton focuses on the interplay of race and gender in the construction of community within the Earthseed series. She argues that Lauren’s leadership disrupts traditional patriarchal norms by asserting a Black woman’s authority in shaping a utopian vision. Additionally, Hinton situates Earthseed within the broader context of Afrofuturism, highlighting how it envisions community through a lens of racial and gender inclusivity. This source is crucial for understanding the radicalized and gendered dynamics of leadership in “Parable of the Sower”.

3. “Parable of a 21st Century Religion: Octavia Butler’s Vision in Parable of the Sower” ( https://www.jstor.org/stable/44511664 )

• This article examines Earthseed as both a spiritual framework and a sociopolitical tool for community-building. It positions Earthseed as a forward-thinking religion designed to adapt to crisis, focusing on leadership and collective survival in a fractured society. The author addresses how Lauren’s gender and race challenge existing religious hierarchies, making Earthseed a revolutionary model of community. This source provides insights into the broader philosophical underpinnings of Earthseed and its critique of traditional power structures.

4. “We Need the Stars: Change, Community, and the Absent Father in Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower” ( https://www.jstor.org/stable/27743152 )

• This analysis delves into the role of family and absence in shaping Lauren’s vision of community. It argues that the absence of traditional paternal authority enables Lauren to redefine leadership and kinship. The article further connects this absence to larger themes of race and gender, showing how marginalized individuals reclaim agency in post-apocalyptic settings. This source is helpful for understanding the personal dynamics that influence Lauren’s leadership style.

5. “Migration and Capital of the Body: Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower” ( https://www.jstor.org/stable/44325296 )

• This article focuses on the significance of migration and bodily autonomy in Butler’s narrative. It argues that the physical movement of characters mirrors their pursuit of safety and community in a hostile world. The author also examines how race, gender, and socioeconomic status shape these migrations, highlighting the precarious position of marginalized bodies in this future. This source is particularly useful for discussing the intersection of material conditions and identity in Butler’s portrayal of community.

I wanted to alert you to an opportunity for a needs-based scholarship for ENGL majors/minors. Please apply if you have financial needs: it’s a pretty simple application process!!

The Dorothy Horowitz Scholarship [English Majors + Minors only]

November 22nd – December 6th 

The English Department is now accepting submissions to The Dorothy Horowitz Scholarship, the English Department’s only need-based scholarship. Awards will be made of up to $1000 each.

Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate and graduate students in English. Applicants must be in good academic standing. Priority will be given to students who are experiencing hardship.

To Apply: Submit one copy of a recent transcript and one copy of a 300-word personal essay (.docx, .rtf or .pdf) that outlines the circumstances of financial need and describes how you intend to use the prize. Please use this form for submission

The Department will consider applications to the prize between November 23 – December 6th. Depending on the availability of funds the department will open another application window in the Spring semester.

Please also note: as much as we would like it to be, the Horowitz Prize is not an emergency fund. Even after the award is announced, it may take a few months to be distributed. As we hope you know, there are other emergency resources that the College offers, which are listed here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the English Department at [email protected].

How does Sylvia’s and Lizzie’s perspectives on climate change in Weather illustrate contrasting societal approaches to addressing environmental crises?