Dawn

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

When you think of the word other, what comes to mind? How does Othering affect people and our society?

Teaching Suggestion: The concept of Othering is both prevalent and complex. Bringing in additional current events can help make this concept more concrete, which can lead to students accessing the novel more fully. Lilith experiences both sides of Othering, treated as different for being human and fearing the Oankali. The novel includes lengthy reflections, where Lilith reacts against her Othering of the Oankali. The Human Rights Museum resource includes some questions for reflection, which could lead to additional extensions of this topic for journal or discussion.

• This article from the Canadian Museum of Human Rights explores Othering, including its function in the Holocaust and the Rohingya Genocide.
• This article by AP News examines different groups who experience Othering in the United States and it relates to history.

Short Activity

The author is a Black woman, as is the main character of the novel. How familiar are you with Black women in history? In this Short Activity, you will conduct research to learn more about Black women who have changed the world.

Teaching Suggestion: The resources below provide valuable but brief information. For a quick activity, students could read the resources and discuss. If time allows, asking students to choose a woman to research more in-depth with additional resources might lead students to greater understanding and personal engagement.

• This article from Teen Vogue includes information about numerous powerful Black women, including the author, Octavia E. Butler.
• This Essence resource presents fifteen Black women who altered history.
• This article from Black Enterprise examines powerful lesser-known Black women and their contributions to the world.

Differentiation Suggestion: For advanced students, a more developed research project might include drawing comparisons between multiple women researched, an annotated bibliography, or a formal presentation.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the novel.

What does Freedom mean to you? What types of freedom do you value most?

Teaching Suggestion: To give students the chance to think more deeply about this complex topic, consider allowing them to free write about the concept of freedom in general before deeper reflection or in-class discussion. One idea would be to list definitions and types of freedom together with the class. Students might take notes that they could return to as they read and analyze Lilith’s experiences. Considering how her freedom shifts or remains the same in the different sections of the novel might lead to purposeful discussions.

• This resource from Amnesty International articulates the importance of freedom of expression.
• This poem by Maya Angelou expresses the power of surviving and thriving.