Parable of the Sower Lesson Plan

How does Butler establish the novel's setting in these early chapters?

Remind students about the old writing adage, "show, don't tell." In what ways does Butler show us the details of the world she's created, rather than simply explaining them at face value? One example is when Lauren and her stepmother are hanging up clothing to dry: Lauren notes the closeness of the wall, and her stepmother comments on the dimness of the city lights but also says that at least they can afford the stars. These relatively minor details in the first few pages of the novel establish the parameters of the world in which the women live. In the world of the novel, something has happened to...