The Perception and Role of Empathy in Parable of the Sower, a Science Fiction Novel by Octavia Butler Essay

Empathy A quality or a fault?Empathy is a quality that most human beings consider a weakness rather than a strength. In a world where everyone is concerned with his or her own well being, it seems that being understanding others feelings is an unnecessary virtue to have. In Octavia Butlers Parable of the Sower, Lauren is born with a disease called hyper-empathy. Her hyper-empathy enables her to feel other peoples pleasure and pain. While living in a dystopian society where survival is the primary concern, her hyper empathy is like a double edged-sword. Though she can empathize with others struggles, this often weakens her physically and emotionally, thus putting her life at greater risk and danger. However, throughout the book, it is demonstrated that being hyper empathetic can actually be useful. Laurens disorder highlights the significance of being empathetic in a world where individuals are distraught and living in terrible conditions. Throughout the novel Parable of the Sower, Butler suggests empathy can be a positive trait to have and perhaps human beings should learn to be more empathetic as it can effectively end conflict and unite people. Laurens hyper- empathy syndrome serves to demonstrate that empathy can create bonds between different individuals. When she is on the run with Harry and Zahra, they are mainly worried about themselves and trust no one. Lauren is smart enough to know when to help others and when not to. Although Harry and Zahra are less likely to help others, Laurens syndrome of hyper empathy makes her prone to help people who are in need. In one instance, Harry, Zahra, and Lauren come across a couple with a baby. After much deliberation, Lauren asks the man of the family if they want to join them, but he questions her. She replies, Why not. Were natural alliesthe mixed couple and the mixed group. Come join us if you want to. Five is better than two (208). She...

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