The Parable of the Sower Literary Analysis Essay   Style: Literary Analysis Essay Length: 2-3 pages Sources: Minimum 1-2 supplementary sources (Wikipedia, encyclopedias, dictionaries and other reference texts do not count toward your research – though you must cite them if you use them). You can use the Canvas lectures, discussions, and other sources here.   PROMPT: Using genre, theme, and writing style elements, analyze Butler’s intentions in this novel.   Genre: Parable of the Sower is a mix of several major literary genres: Dystopian Science Fiction African American Literature   Thinking of the major genre classifications above, consider the following questions:   In what way is this book Dystopian, Science Fiction, or African American literature? How does it conform to and/or break the traditions of that literary mold? (See handout). What social commentary does this piece express? How do you the reader know this exists in the text? Why might this be an important theme for the author? What tools (diction, grammar, imagery, symbolism, themes) does the author use to convey this commentary? To what extent is she successful?   Theme: The Parable of the Sower addresses a number of themes, including Identity; Survival; Men, Women and Gender Roles; Religion; Race and Racism; Disability; Hope and hopelessness, and many others.   Thinking of selected themes above, of any of your own choosing, consider the following questions:   Where do you see this theme or these themes in the text? What social commentary does this theme express? How do you the reader know this exists in the text? Why might this be an important theme for the author? What tools (diction, grammar, imagery, symbolism) does the author use to convey this theme? To what extent is she successful?   Writing Style: The Parable of the Sower uses a number of stylistic elements such as hyperbole, symbolism, imagery, metaphor and simile, and a blend of storytelling of “journal” like entries and the use of psalms.   Thinking of the writing style elements above, consider the following questions:   Where do you see this element in the text? What themes or social commentary does this writing style element connect to? How do you the reader know this exists in the text? Are these stylistic elements used successfully? How do you know? Why or why not?   Your essays should always depend on careful close reading of specific passages from the text. Include and explain direct quotes from the text and your supporting research. Look at the use of tone, diction, imagery, symbolism, motifs, character development and writing style.