Parable of the Sower

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of graphic violence, death, and mental illness.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Parable of the Sower was published in 1993 but set in the 2020s. Which elements of this dystopian world felt most prescient or impactful to you? What did Butler get right and what did she get wrong?

2. How did Butler’s portrayal of societal collapse compare to other post-apocalyptic or dystopian works you’ve read, such as Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale or Cormac McCarthy’s The Road? What makes Butler’s approach distinctive?

3. The novel contains many intense scenes, from the burning of Robledo to the group’s confrontations with attackers on the road north. Which scenes had the strongest emotional impact on you and why?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Lauren’s hyperempathy syndrome forces her to feel others’ pain. Have you ever experienced moments of profound empathy that influenced your actions or beliefs?

2. Throughout the novel, Lauren must decide whom to trust and bring into her community. How do you approach trust in your own relationships? Have there been times when you’ve had to make difficult decisions about trusting others in challenging circumstances?