Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Major/Program
English
First Advisor's Name
Heather Andrade
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Bruce Harvey
Third Advisor's Name
Carol Boyce-Davies
Date of Defense
7-19-2004
Abstract
In this thesis, I examined three novels by African American science fiction novelist Octavia Butler: Kindred (1979), Parable of the Sower (1994), Parable of the Talents (1998) and Dawn (1987). I analyzed Butler's belief that society has become too firmly attached to old customs and belief systems, initiating destructive, self-defeating cycles in our history. She looks to African American females to take up leadership roles and exact radical change to ensure society's continued survival as well as progress, acceptance and autonomy within our communities. I also established Butler's significant contributions to the African American literary canon as she examines the history of African Americans and speculates on their necessary roles of shaping the future of society.
Identifier
FI14050486
Recommended Citation
Belle, Dixie-Ann, "Navigating the past, envisioning the future : Octavia Butler's heroines" (2004). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1484.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1484
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