From the beginning of Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler, Lauren Olamina, the protagonist begins a search to discover just what she believes. The country in which she lives is a much different United States; there have been economic and environmental disasters and most of the country is a functioning anarchy. Laws are not obeyed, and there is widespread immorality. Religion has decayed to the extent that Lauren's father's church was "robbed . . . vandalized . . . and burned" (8). The government which functions also as an upholder of morality has been rendered impotent in enforcing laws which resulted in the culture of immorality that has prevailed.
From this environment, Lauren grows disillusioned with her father's Baptist faith; she …show more content…
Lauren notes in her journal that "One of the astronauts on the latest Mars mission has been killed" (17). The government, however, is unable to do anything about domestic conditions. Outside the small, walled neighborhood where Lauren's family and few families live, third world living conditions prevail. In addition, the police and fire departments are corrupt and unreliable.
After being baptized, Lauren continues her daily life and creates a journal in which she describes her vision for her beliefs. There is uncertainty as Lauren does not know what exactly she is creating. She thinks "But this thing (This idea? Philosophy? New religion?)" (26) as she journals attempting to answer the question. Lauren eventually decides to call her creation "Earthseed: The Book of the Living" (125).
Following the breaching of her neighborhood compound by drug addicts, Lauren begins to walk north; she initially joins with two neighbors. As they progress, the group is joined by others. Lauren shares Earthseed with her fellow travelers; one of them, Harry argues, shouts and ask questions (222) about the meaning of Earthseed. In the societal upheaval that has happened, many are seeking answers. Another traveler, Allie demands "But what the hell do you stand for?" of Lauren. As Lauren continues to disseminate her ideas, she believes that "Earthseed [will] take root among the stars"
From this environment, Lauren grows disillusioned with her father's Baptist faith; she …show more content…
Lauren notes in her journal that "One of the astronauts on the latest Mars mission has been killed" (17). The government, however, is unable to do anything about domestic conditions. Outside the small, walled neighborhood where Lauren's family and few families live, third world living conditions prevail. In addition, the police and fire departments are corrupt and unreliable.
After being baptized, Lauren continues her daily life and creates a journal in which she describes her vision for her beliefs. There is uncertainty as Lauren does not know what exactly she is creating. She thinks "But this thing (This idea? Philosophy? New religion?)" (26) as she journals attempting to answer the question. Lauren eventually decides to call her creation "Earthseed: The Book of the Living" (125).
Following the breaching of her neighborhood compound by drug addicts, Lauren begins to walk north; she initially joins with two neighbors. As they progress, the group is joined by others. Lauren shares Earthseed with her fellow travelers; one of them, Harry argues, shouts and ask questions (222) about the meaning of Earthseed. In the societal upheaval that has happened, many are seeking answers. Another traveler, Allie demands "But what the hell do you stand for?" of Lauren. As Lauren continues to disseminate her ideas, she believes that "Earthseed [will] take root among the stars"