Citation Practice
editReferences
edit- ^ Butler, Octavia E. "Positive Obsession." Bloodchild and Other Stories. New York : Seven Stories, 2005. 123-136.
- ^ Butler, O.E. "Birth Of A Writer." Essence (Essence) 20.1 (1989): 74. Academic Search Complete. Web. 9 Sept. 2016.
- ^ Fox, Margalit (2006-03-01). "Octavia E. Butler, Science Fiction Writer, Dies at 58". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-09-09.
Bloodchild
editSummary
editThe setting of the story takes place on another planets inhabited by these worm-like creatures known as Tlic. It seems that it takes place some time in the future and for reasons unexplained humans have fled Earth and arrived on the planet. The Tlic are keeping the humans, who are referred to as Terrans, in a "preserve" because they serve as better hosts for the Tlic's young. The main character is a Terran named Gan who is chosen by a Tlic named T'gatoi who will impregnate him when the time is right. Since T'gatoi was such a high political figure, Gan looked at it as an honor. But soon after there was an accident where a Terran was about to give birth and he couldn't find his Tlic. T'gatoi decided to perform an emergency procedure on the Terran to make sure the eggs inside of him don't kill him. Gan is asked to help and it was a gruesome experience for both the Terran and Gan. Gan now has second thoughts about becoming a host for T'gatoi's young and he threatens to kill himself with a gun. Then he decides that he'd rather have T'gatoi impregnate his sister since she was so willing. However Gan starts to feel guilty that his sister would have to go through the painful process of birth so he decides that he will do it.
Quotes
edit- "Would it be easier to know that red worms were growing in her flesh instead of mine?" (26)
- "But you came to me... to save Hoa. Yes. I leaned my forehead against her. She was cool velvet, deceptively soft. And to keep you for myself, I said. It was so. I didn't understand it, but it was so." (28)
- "You use us. We do. We wait long years for you and teach you and join our families to yours. She moved restlessly. You know you aren't animals to us." (24)