Xenogenesis (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Octavia Butler
- First Published: 1987
- Type of Work: Novels
- Type of Plot: Science fiction
- Time of Work: 250–350 years after a fictional holocaust on Earth
- Setting: Chkahichdahk, a living Oankali “spaceship,” and Earth
- Genres: Long fiction, Science fiction
- Subjects: Maturation or coming of age, Culture, Children, Exile or expatriates, Extraterrestrial life, Future, Other worlds, Space flight or travel, Space ships, stations, or vehicles, Acculturation, Human behavior, Bioengineering or biotechnology, Earth, Genetics
- Locales: Space, Chkahichdahk (fictive), Earth
Characters Discussed
Dawn, 1987
Lilith Iyapo, a survivor of a nuclear war that almost completely destroys Earth. Terrified to learn that her captors are aliens, Lilith gradually becomes used to the Oankali, but her fear is renewed when she realizes that they intend to breed with humans in a genetic “trade” and will no longer allow humans to breed among themselves. Lilith reluctantly agrees to awaken other humans and acclimatize them to their fate. Although she eventually cares for the Oankali, Lilith feels guilty and wonders whether she has betrayed...
[The entire page is 1244 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
Related Topics
