Symbolism In The Parable Of The Sower

In our world today, according to research statistics “an average of 358,500 homes experience a structural fire each year” (Zebra 1). The novel '' Parable of The Sower '' by Octavia Butler is a post-apocalyptic fiction novel in which fire acts as a metaphor for the perpetual state of societal decline that has a dual meaning for the protagonist Lauren Olamina. Inevitably, when fire is involved, death soon follows as shown in the beginning when Lauren’s mom dies giving birth to her as a drug addict, giving Lauren hyperempathy. This coupled with Lauren being the oldest child of four by her father and them sharing a special bond with one another gives Lauren the foundation upon which she builds her knowledge of the world and shapes her own beliefs

Those people include Travis, Natividad, Dominic, Bankole, Allie, Jill, Emery, Tori, Grayson, Doe, and Justin. They helped each other survive in the face of danger and if Robledo never burned down, Lauren would have never met them and experienced an internal rebirth. Keeping that in mind, Lauren wants to accomplish more than basic survival; she wants to thrive, and her religion Earthseed is the conduit for that. For example, good members of Earthseed “learn to shape God with forethought, care, and work; to educate and benefit their community, their families, and themselves” (Butler 261). This quote goes to show that the progression of Earthseed is a direct result of the fires and the reawakening of Lauren. Likewise, prominent leaders in the past have used their religion to help their people through turbulent times which is the very picture of Lauren’s character. Even though Lauren denounces God in the bible, her character is similar to the prophet Joshua who is said to have led the Isrealites to the promised land. Lauren is leading her people to their version of the promised land because she and the group headed north in search of a better life of stability and sustenance. The function that the fire and Earthseed serves in the novel changes Lauren’s and the other characters' lives forever and for the better. For example, during Lauren’s successful attempt to persuade the group to settle down on Bankole’s land, she says “ It will be hard to live here, but if we work together, and if we’re careful, it should be possible. we can build a community here” (Butler 319). The speech shows that Lauren has come a long way from scaring her best friend Joanne into thinking that the world was going to end. Out of struggle comes strength, and the community of Acorn is a beacon of hope despite the trials and