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"Research Assignment # 5"

According to Schapper, A"Eugenics,Genetic Determinism and the Desire for Racial Utopia in Science Fiction of Octavia E Butler"

• The Ideal society
• Eugenics moral lens in reference to eugenics
• Warns about the consequences of tampering with gene manipulation
• reflecting on the conflicts faced by Doro who is steadfast on genetic manipulation and Anyanwu who values the rights of humans
• Genetic determination although not physical, but behavioral traits. Thus breed to be controlled
• The consequences for Doro's off-springs are different/the racial differences are expunged.
• Doro is like Prometheus and compared to Frankenstein because the attempt to make humans evolve into something more god like
• emphasizing the act of patriarchy which is the desire to replace/control female body.
• Example of Racial Utopia is Doro breed for "taste" the goal is to have a race of people immortal like him
• Genisis Doro is compared to Adam and Anyanwu is compared to Eve
• Clash between morals

" By ignoring the ethical relevance of religion and attempting to characterize it as a stage in evolutionary development that science has now taken over,sociobiology is in danger of reducing ethics to the pursuit of purely biological evolution, at the expense of spiritual and emotional beliefs." We should maintain a unique state of being. Accepting differences and not try to create such a perfect person that it knocks nature off course. It is alright to have people with different abilities. We should not alienate those who fall short of perfection.Our unique society will be in jeopardy if we adapt to biological evolution.

"Research Assignment #4"

According to L. Timmel Duchamp "Sun Woman' or 'Wild Seed" ? How a Young Feminist Writer Found Alternatives to White Bourgeois Narrative Models in the Early Novel of Octavia Butler"

• Novelist moved by Octavia Butlers supremacy or struck by her wisdom
• Unforeseen legacy that embarks on the work of ambitious and influential writers
• Samual R. Delany focuses on talents, engagement of series of complex models, Models for narrative scenes, and models for various larger writing structures
• reflected on the other side of talent which focused on the gift to succumb the feeling of such models
• The use of white protagonist
• feminist often faced with political awareness and struggles
• The ability to write feminist viewed ideas through science fiction
• Similarities between Leleynl l Absq and Anyanwu both healers and strong minded females
• struggles between a the four thousand -year old vampire Doro and Anyanwu a three hundred year old woman who could trans form into various animal as well as transforming from a woman to a man
• Doro main reason was to breed, nonetheless Anyanwu used to enhance stock

"For most of 1970s feminist science fiction, the usual narrative model depicted an oppressed woman accomplishing her liberation, either by defeating or outwitting her oppressors or escaping them" In the 1970s woman were subject to harsh and authoritarian treatment. But now being able to write a woman as being a heroin meant that they rose above an ordinary woman thus now a super being.

According to Rebecca J. Holden "I began writing about power because I had so little":The impact of Octavia Butler's Early Work on Feminist Science Fiction as a Whole(and on One Feminist Science Fiction Scholar in Particular)

• According to Holden her characters were considered Cyborgs half human and half technology
• Represented the diverse differences and multiple points of views
• Multiplied layered identities
• looks like a clean body but is camouflaged .
• mutation, crosses boundaries into the cyborg world
• A white bourgeois focused of sovereign-individualism
• Took on the notion that no one is needed and a person should mind their business.
• The community that was liven in relied on everyone taking care of each other.
• Doro was an example of sovereign he was a villain
• Anyanwu none the less was the opposite her philosophy was what can you do for your people.

"However, we must not overlook the role of choice in Anyanwu's insistence on the stability of her gender identity as well as what that gender identity means to her and presumably Butler" Anyanwu's character was not created accidentally,Butler wanted he to a strong black woman yet gentle a earthly. Anyanwu was able to transform into the most strongest being and then go back to a loving soft being.

Research Assignment #3

Govan y. Sandra "Homage to Tradition: Octavia Butler Renovates the Historical Novel" 79-88; 94-94.

• Established new voice in science fiction,
• Borrows from her tradition and shapes African American cultural values
• she has an experimental and moralizing instincts that is reflected in her art
• clash of will-powers
• the familiarity of oppression
• composition of mutation
• Respect and compromise, each learns to accept the other for who they are
• Kindred and Wild Seed the broken ground into science fiction
• African American characters who take on major significant roles that are seen as Black woman as heroic that share power with men or possess their own special powers none the less on equal terms
• No submission to male dominance
• History presented at a different point of view
• Fantasy
• Cultural kinship networks

"They forge a new alliance based on respect and compromise. She recognizes he must kill to live but he learns genuine respect for her feelings and abilities and he also realizes that he must cease killing those of his own who serve him best or any of her close relatives"(88). In this quote Doro learns to respect Anyanwu wishes as a person. He compromises by stopping killing everyone. He informs her that he will try and not and kill her immediate family. He also accepts the fact that he shouldn't kill people who are dear to you.

S.Y. Govan Connection, Links, and Extended Networks;Patterns in Octavia Butler's Sciece Fiction"

• Power struggles between Doro and Anyanwu  Doro, Breeder with agenda (taste good) looking for a companion/immortal He needs her genes The struggle changes when love is discovered. Anyanwu is a nurturing healer 4-5 books on power struggles of a super-race/ mutant/psionic (Patterist Saga) Doro breads people
• A new type of science fiction Black protagonist West African history and culture replicated in the relationships of the mutants. Kinship Middle passage (When all the slaves were brought to American) slavery in America
• Myth New genesis new beginning between Super humans and regular humans, erasing racism Afrocentric viewpoint

" Anyanwu, however, thwarts Doro's design on her life because of her survival skills (when she take the form of a bird beast, he cannot track her) and her strength as well" In this quote Anyanwu can elude the grasp of Doro if she transforms into any of these animals Although she is not fully aware of such capabilities.Doro is not, thus he tries to keep Anyanwu in human form as much as possible. Consequently being able to track her at any given time.

Research Assignment#2

According to Elizabeth Lynn "Vampires, Aliens,and Dodos

• A parable of realities of human truths
• Main characters immortals posses supernatural powers of the mind and body
• Doro evil only intent is to create beings in the image of himself
• Anyanwu a more pleasant immortal with healing abilities. her intent is to protect her children by all means necessary.

"Butler prose is spare and sure, and even in moments of great tension she never loses control over her pacing or over her sense of story" Although at times Butler was often discouraged she was steadfast in her task to continue to do what she enjoyed which was writing.

According to Pfeiffers review of Wild Seed by Octavia Butler.

• focuses on African- American history exploring intense realities in Africa, and traveling through the transatlantic.
• Intent is to create super beings such as Vampires and Healers
• Main characters are Doro and Anyanwu both super beings Doro who takes possession of other bodies and Anyanwu is a healer. Attracted to one another but are undoubtedly opposites.
• Gender and power struggle are the root of an unstable relationship. Thus Doro holding on to a man being the dominate being but a woman also being essential for the success of a wholesome state of being.

"Wild Seed is a combination of Butler's brilliant fable and real history" Butler adds reality to her stories. She explores slavery and its harsh truth and then adding a twist as incorporates supernatural beings. Thus adding interest.

According to a interview with Michael Bishop

• Doro is introduced as an evil 3700 year old being who goes around taking over the bodies of whom ever he chooses leaving their remains behind after he is done with them.
• Anyanwu 300 year old being view as the opposite of Doro she is considered a sun woman she is a healer, able to transform from dolphin,eagle, leopard, werewolf, or a woman of a younger age.
• We face the conflict of good Anyanwu and evil Doro
• At the end the two main characters become submissive to each other and accept each others differences.
• Thus as the story ends we would have been exposed to the travel of slaves from Africa to America . we witnessed gender struggles, animal transformations,mental and physical abuse power, treachery , love and lastly, submission.

"The story itself is eerily fascinating, and well wrought" If you want adventure with a hint of spooky,peculiar and weird, then wild seed is a story that should be read. If you indulge in good writing an well thought views with vampires and a woman who has the powers to transform and heal.... This introduction is important because it informs you, that you are about to read something well written.

"Wild Seed, Chapters 11- Epilogue"

Anyanyu has lost her son Steven whom was able to look into peoples thoughts. He was indirectly killed by Doro’s offspring Joseph who was able to not only look into your thoughts but also take over them. This is what he did to Steven after being beaten, after he tried to protect his sister Helen after Joseph attempted to rape her. Joseph took over Stevens’ thoughts thus causing him to fall from the gallery to his death. After Joseph attempts to take control of Anyanwu youngest daughter Helens mind and make her commit suicide as she did with Steven nonetheless, Anyanwu saves her. This really angered Anyanwu thus causing her to transform into a leopard and tear out his throat, killing him. Anyanwu goes away for a while to the sea to regroup her thoughts and swims with the dolphins. When Anyanwu, returns from the sea she is informed that she has lost a close and dear friend, Luisa. She died seemingly from old age. Anyanwu realizes that everyone that comes into her life is temporary. This saddens her. She realizes that she doesn’t want to be the only one left on earth without her family and love ones. She wants to die. Nonetheless, she comes to terms that she loves Doro and he loves her. He tells Anyanwu that he can’t live without her. Anyanwu tells Doro that she will not kill herself if he agrees to stop killing her children and decedents. Although he doesn’t promise her that he promises not to kill her immediate family members. He also promises to accept her as a person not just a breeder. They promise each other that they will make changes so that they both are happy and live a long life together. Thus, ending with both Anyanwu and Doro being together and making it work.

Journal #10

Today we focused on our novel Wild Seed. Group one made minor changes to the characters. As a whole group we proofread out loud/last fixes/comments. Lastly, we transferred to the Teams Sandbox and coded properly. We also worked on Team two power struggles. We printed and proofread out loud and made corrections that were needed. We were extended an extra day for First draft.

Journal#9

Today we reviewed our first draft of Characters, we made corrections and continued to add characters to the "wild Seed" article.we also presented our Thesis for review. We were given examples of Topics and Thesis. We also revised proposals that were incomplete.

Journal #8

Today was the first day of our Wikipedia Wild Seed article. we began to work in teams. I worked alongside Jlefish and we focused on characters.We began our draft and focused Doro,Anyanwu and Isaac. we wrote about each in depth and their importance to the novel. we received our proposal back and made necessary correction. I had to clarify my thesis.Thus enabling me to present a well organized understood essay.

Journal # 7

Today we presented our research papers. We reviewed the proposal formats. We were given sources that will enable use to present a well organized essay.

We went over topics that we could use to help us organized our essay. We went into depth the articles that each of us had to read for instance, Schapper who spoke about Eugenics. Skin Dreaming which spoke about bodily transgression. White side uncanny woman that focused on black woman in culture. Stereotypes mammys, Jezebels and sapphires.Afro-futurism, characters were all black in the patternist series.

Journal #6

Today we reviewed the readings for" Reception" section Backgrounds in African myths as well as Gender struggles which was seen from a fantastic point of view. We reviewed the contributions to feminist thoughts. we explored these readings through feminist myths, strong female protagonist and new narratives of liberation. We explored clashing points of views with gender struggles. we viewed possible sections for the article. Such as afrofuturism, control, slavery, animality, patriarchy and western modernity and post-colonialism.neo-colonialism

Journal # 5

We learned today about how to properly cite using MLA . We learned the importance of putting the authors last name first . we used the data base to download the article we were assigned. we were taught the proper way to cite annotating the proper usage of citation, noting to use italics for big things and Quote small things. We read two articles and summarized them and used bullet points.we place our work in our sandbox.

Journal # 4

Today we learned what is needed for a Wikipedia novel. We read the importance of having a lead section which summarizes the article, Plot , Characters,Major themes,which is the meaty part of the novel,style hoe the novel was written, Background the created process behind the scenes, Publication History, reception, adaptation, footnotes, inbox, images genre, images publication dates, media types, all these are needed for a successful novel. We also explored different authors contributions such as Themes, gender roles immortality freedom and responsibility from Jonas Helford more-so, reviews conducted by eastern, Jonas Pfifer.

Orson Scott Card on Butlers Craft on Wild Seed

Orson explains that Butler exhibited good writing techniques because she did not immediately give away charters identity. Instead she used Abeyance. Butler does not right away give details on what is a seed village but instead wants you to continue to read on to find the purpose of this place. This principle of abeyance is one of the protocols of reading speculative fiction that makes it difficult for some people who aren't familiar with the genre to grasp what's going on. Implication, during this phase here we are trying to determine what in fact is a wild seed. This makes the reader more inquisitive because it is still unclear of what it is. Is this term "Wild Seed a actual place or something to eat or just a made up word Butler wants the reader to continue to read on and fulfill your curiosity. Literalism, The usage of abeyance and implication used in unison we take the word literally, to mean Seed Village as an actual place instead of a person or a thing. In doing this it is looked upon as if the writer wants you to believe one thing while writing something else. You have to be able to separate the difference between metaphor and similes as well as analogy.The author has to do something to Piquing the readers interest was used because if Butler gave meanings and names away at the beginning then we wouldn't want to read any further. For instance who is Doro and What is a Wild Seed? Although Doro know his intent it is not immediately revealed. Doro wants back what he lost which is his own village so he sets out for his quest to create a village of his own. He chooses to get the best of the best so that they wont be wiped out again. He seeks out to do this by all mean necessary. "Wild Seed Chapters 7-10"

This story takes place during 1741 “Lot’s Children”

Doro losses his step daughter Nweke and his favorite son Isaac. Anyanwu still has harsh feeling toward Doro. Thomas was one of Doro’s supposedly loyal servants. . Nonetheless he disobeyed him after he told him that he had no more use for Anyanwu and he wanted to kill her. Since Thomas wanted to exchange his life for Anyanwus, since he had grown fond of her, and grew to respect her. Nonetheless, at first he wished she was white and called her a black bitch who was just used for breeding him now acknowledged that she was truly there to help him live. Anyanwu cleaned this infested body made him eat and gave him hope. She taught him to see that he was still a worthy man.  Thomas explains to Anyanwu the reason that he wished that she was white was because he missed his wife dearly and wished that she could be her. Thomas notes the reason that his wife left him was because he could read her mind thus, that frightened her. Nonetheless, because of Thomas’ disobedience Anyanwu witnesses Doro kill him and take over his somewhat healthy body. Doro kills Thomas because he tried to run from him he was supposed to be submissive and let Doro take his life in exchange for the life he had given him. Moreover, Doro reminisces was about the comment Anyanwu stated she rather lay down with an infested man than with Doro. He feels she is disrespectful and out of control.  Anyanwu instead of attending her husbands and daughter funeral she goes out to sea to escape from Doro by turning into a Dolphin. Since Doro could not sense her when she was a sea creature consequently, he could not find her and she went undetected for years. Doro was angered by this and could not wait to find her so that he could kill her since he has no use for her anymore.

Journal #3

Today we spoke about paraphrasing, essays, quoting, topic sentences, We spoke about main ideas, evidence and commentaries. all these need to be in your paragraph in an essay. We were assigned into groups and we analyzed "Wild Seed" and spoke about Slavery during this passage.

Journal #1

Today we learned how to set up our accounts on Wikipedia, put information into our sandbox. we took a test on Wikipedia and learned how to cite our information.

Journal #2

Today we spoke about gathering information,use of information, and the importance of making arguments.We also learned about how to gather and interpret information. It is important to make an effective argument by properly summarizing,paraphrasing and quote. By summarizing we condense the work and by paraphrasing we put the information in our own words.We shouldn't use the authors exact words in trying to stress our argument.We spoke about Octavia Butlers life and her accomplishments. We spoke about her contributions left behind after she died. Such as The Mac Authors grant. lastly, we spoke about her death.

Wild Seed Chapters 5-6

During these chapters Okoye and Udenkwo whom were both of Anyanwus grand children were married to each other. Although Anyanwu did not agree with arrangement she went along with it because of her husband Doro. Nonetheless they two did not have a choice to marry. They were threatened with death if they disobeyed Doro’s wishes. Doro promised the two land and seeds so that they could establish themselves in their new land. Doro promised that they would continue to learn English and Dutch. All of these gifts were given with a stipulation. That was whenever Doro came to them that whatever his request was that they would obey. If they Didn’t they would be faced with death.

      Meanwhile, Anyanwu witnessed the power that Isaac possessed. He was able to stop things in midair. He was one of Doros Favorite sons. Doro had another son Lala whom tried to seduce Anyanwu with his mind. He was killed for the attempt. Anyanwu during this chapter transforms into a dolphin. She enjoys this transformation nonetheless, she is reared back to the ship after Isaac sees she is engaging in a seductive swim with a male dolphin. During the time that Anyanwu is a dolphin Doro cannot feel her spirit.Doro hopes that Anyanwu never comes to realization of that fact that she can eluded him if ever she decides to be such. Moreover , Doro informs Anyanwu that she will marry his son Isaac .Anyanwu is enraged and considers it an abomination. Doro threatens Anyanwu by telling her that if she doesn’t marry his son that he will take the bodies of her children. Thus she agrees angrily to marry Isaac. This causes Anyanwu to hate Doro because in her culture she doesn’t marry the son of her husband. She feels that all along he has deceived her. nonetheless Anyanwu and Isaac learn to get along well as husband and wife and manage to put trust in each other.

Assignment 1

Octavia Butler was born on June 22, 1947 she was born from Octavia Margaret Guy and Laurice James Butler. Her parents were both hard workers despite the fact that they grew up during the time of segregation. Octavia’s mother was a maid and her father was a shoeshine man.Unfortunately Mr Butler died when Octavia was only seven. Thus she was raised by her mother and grandmother who were vastly involved in the Baptist church. Ms. Butler was depicted as a shy almost six feet tall girl who suffered from dyslexia nonetheless; this did not stop her from following her dream as a writer of science fiction. With the help from her mother’s gift of a typewriter she was able to focus on her dream as a writer. MS. Butlers fame wasn't instantaneous she had to work hard to establish herself as a female black writer. Although Ms. Butler’s mother wanted her to be a secretary because she wanted her to have a stable income but she had other aspirations. Butler went on to graduate from John Muir High School in 1965 and later went on to Pasadena College. Ms. Butler was the first black woman to receive the Macarthur fellowship and also the recipient of the prestigious Hugo and Nebula awards. Ms. Butler went on to write books such as Patternmaster in 1976, Mind of My Mind in 1977, Kindred in 1979 and many more books in which she was able to keep us intrigued with Science fiction .

Unfortunately, Ms Butler left us on February 24, 2006 at a young age of 58. It was noted that she suffered from a stroke that caused her to fall an strike her head. She will be truly missed. I found Ms Butlers personality to be strong and ambitious. Her imagination was awesome. She was an outstanding black female writer whom left this mortal place too soon

Wikipedia contributors. "Octavia E. Butler." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 13 Sep. 2015. Web. 25 Sep. 2015.

Wild Seed Chapters 1-4

     In Chapters 1-4  the story takes place in Africa there we meet Doro who is an immortal who is able to take the body of anyone at will his age far beyond our imagination. In doing this his spirit is put into his new body. Then we meet Anyanwu an African black woman who is over 300 years old empowered with the ability to stay young cure the ailing and transform into anything she wants animal or human she is also an immortal. In these chapters Doro is trying to create a race of immortals with powers of both his and s Anyanwu. He is ambitious in his quest. He persuades Anyanwu to leave her village to accompany him on ships that have others that will perhaps enable them to succeed in their attempts. She is persuaded by the notion that maybe Doro will harm her children if she stays in the village. Thus she agrees to leave. While traveling to the ship Anyanwu sees Doro kill a young slave boy and takes over his body. She then sees him take another man’s body to continue their travel. Although she expresses her disgust in Doro killing the young boy she still continues on the journey to the ship. She keeps in mind that it could be her children. They finally reach the ship Anyanwu experiences sea sickness and is given some solution to suppress her sickness. While on the ship Anyanwu also tries to jump overboard. Doros son Isaac attempts to save her. Doro himself saves his wife Anyanwu. Afterward, she finds two of her family members. Doro suggest that she introduce them to each other and perhaps allow them to form a family. She finds this absured. Nonetheless this is part of the creation of his new race of people. That Doro is trying to establish, on the ship Anyanwu meets Doros son Isaac who also an immortal and possess powers not yet revealed, expresses his affection for Anyanwu. He grows very fond of her. Thus, He asks his father if he is going to keep her for himself because he wants her. Doro tells him to be patient.

Citation practice

Octavia Butler was shy as a child.John Clute. "Butler, Octavia E". The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction edited by John Clute, David Langford, Peter Nicholls and Graham Sleight. London: Gollancz, updated 16 September 2015. Web. Accessed 21 September 2015. </ref>