Book Deep Dive: Parable Series by Octavia Butler
This course examines Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, focusing on themes of survival, societal collapse, and resilience. Students will analyze the novel's portrayal of climate change, inequality, and the power of community.
What's included
16 live meetings
14 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will be asked to annotate as they read and share those annotations or thoughts with the class during discussion. Learners will also be asked to write short reflection papers throughout the course.Assignments
Learners will be given the opportunity to write one final paper for the course reflecting on the seres as a whole and providing analysis and/or criticism of the textsLetter Grade
includedClass Experience
US Grade 10 - 12
Advanced Level
In this course, students will explore Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents, engaging with themes of survival, community, and social justice in dystopian futures. Through weekly readings and discussions, we will critically examine Butler's portrayal of a collapsing society, the formation of Earthseed, and the moral and philosophical questions these novels raise. Students will connect the books’ exploration of race, gender, power, and ecological collapse to current global issues, while developing skills in critical thinking, writing, and communication. The class will foster a collaborative environment for reflection and discussion, encouraging students to think about how Butler's visions of resilience and transformation can apply to their own lives and the world around them.
Learning Goals
Learners will engage with the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of Earthseed and its potential as a metaphor for real-world social and political movements.Learners will articulate and defend their ideas in both written and oral formats, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.
Syllabus
2 Units
16 Lessons
over 16 WeeksUnit 1: Parable of the Sower
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Octavia Butler and Course Overview
Reading: Parable of the Sower (pages 1–40)
Introduce the author, Octavia Butler, her themes, and her influence on science fiction.
Discuss the context of Parable of the Sower in relation to current events and speculative fiction. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Week 2: Parable of the Sower — Chapters 1–4
Reading: Parable of the Sower (pages 41–80)
Introduce the protagonist, Lauren Olamina, and discuss world-building, the collapse of society, and the concept of Earthseed. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Week 3: Parable of the Sower — Chapters 5–8
Reading: Parable of the Sower (pages 81–120)
Explore the themes of survival, community, and the philosophical foundations of Earthseed. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Week 4: Parable of the Sower — Chapters 9–12
Reading: Parable of the Sower (pages 121–160)
Discuss Lauren’s leadership, her relationships with others, and the development of Earthseed as a system of belief. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents are powerful works of speculative fiction that explore complex social, political, and philosophical themes. While these books are celebrated for their profound insights into human nature, society, and resilience, they also contain material that may be challenging or unsettling for younger readers. Below is a guide to the content of both books, along with recommendations for parental guidance.
Themes and Content to Consider
Violence and Social Collapse: Both Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents take place in dystopian futures marked by environmental destruction, economic collapse, and social chaos. Violence is pervasive, including physical assaults, looting, and the breakdown of social order. In Parable of the Sower, the protagonist Lauren Olamina’s journey through a violent, lawless world includes threats of rape, murder, and robbery. Parable of the Talents continues this theme with additional brutalities, including the persecution of Earthseed followers by religious extremists and the abuse of power.
Parental Guidance:
These themes of violence and societal decay can be distressing, especially for younger or sensitive readers. Parents may want to discuss the depiction of violence, its causes, and its impact on individuals and communities. The novels may serve as a springboard for conversations about real-world issues like inequality, systemic violence, and the importance of empathy and justice.
Sexual Content and Abuse: There are scenes of sexual violence and exploitation in both novels, including sexual assault and the manipulation of women by powerful figures. Parable of the Talents in particular addresses the abuse of women and children by a religious cult, and Lauren's own traumatic experiences are explored.
Parental Guidance:
Given the graphic nature of these depictions, parents should assess whether their child or adolescent is ready to process these difficult themes. The books are not gratuitous in their treatment of violence or abuse, but the content is explicit and can be emotionally intense. Parents might want to read the books first or discuss them beforehand to ensure their child understands the context and themes in a thoughtful, supportive way.
Religious and Philosophical Themes: The central philosophy of Earthseed, created by the protagonist Lauren Olamina, is a key focus of the books. Earthseed is a new belief system that emphasizes change as the fundamental law of the universe, encouraging followers to adapt, grow, and ultimately "seed" humanity to the stars. This belief system is presented as an alternative to the oppressive, authoritarian religious structures that dominate the novels’ societies.
Parental Guidance:
The exploration of religion, belief, and spiritual growth may be an opportunity for parents to discuss philosophical and ethical questions. Earthseed can be interpreted as both a hopeful vision and a critique of existing power structures, which may prompt discussions on the nature of belief, leadership, and the role of religion in times of crisis.
Mature Emotional and Psychological Themes: The novels delve into the psychological toll of living in a world rife with fear, loss, and uncertainty. Characters experience profound emotional struggles, including grief, trauma, and the weight of leadership. Lauren, as the protagonist, often wrestles with the burden of hope, responsibility, and the desire to build a better future in a world that seems to offer little promise.
Parental Guidance:
These heavy emotional themes can be intense for younger readers, particularly those dealing with their own challenges or those in vulnerable emotional states. Parents may want to provide guidance on how to handle these discussions, particularly around grief, trauma, and resilience.
Thematic Exploration of Race, Gender, and Power: Butler’s works explore race and gender dynamics within the context of societal collapse. Lauren Olamina is a Black woman, and her experiences are shaped by racial and gendered oppression. The novels also critique patriarchy, class inequality, and the ways in which marginalized groups are often the most vulnerable in times of crisis.
Parental Guidance:
Parents may want to discuss the ways in which Butler critiques power structures and how race and gender intersect with survival and leadership. These novels can help initiate important conversations about privilege, systemic oppression, and identity.
Supply List
Parable of the Sower - Octavia Butler Parable of the Talents - Octavia Butler (Preferably physical copies, but ebooks and audiobooks work just as well!)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a master's degree in English, specializing in African American literature. I have also taught two years of literature at the collegiate level. I am passionate about sharing my love of literature with my students. I believe that literature can be a transformative force in the lives of young people. It can help them to understand themselves and the world around them. It can also help them to develop critical thinking skills and a love of reading that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.Reviews
Live Group Course
$22
weekly or $340 for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 16-18
10-12 learners per class
