Bloodchild

1. What is your reaction to the text you just read?

The short story Bloodchild, written by Octavia Butler, has a fascinatingly disturbing premise; human colonists have settled in an alien planet called Tlic for protection, but in exchange one child must take on the role of a N'Tlic, a chosen human to be impregnated by a Tlic. The main character of the story, Gan, is a young male who has been chosen by a high-official Tlic named T'Gatoi, to bear her eggs. It is an interesting reversal of roles, and in my opinion, parallels the fear that women face when pregnant themselves. However, the bearing of eggs in this story is far more of an unpleasant experience. And the complexity of the relationship between the ones chosen for impregnation and their Tlic's isn't necessarily formed out of love, but duty. I feel that Butler concluded the story with a bittersweet ending, because despite the atrocity that Gan has witnessed, he feels obligated to let himself become impregnated out of his own love for his sister and T'Gatoi.

2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the story which you were able to connect. 

The connections I was able to make with the story included themes that are recognizable in today's society - particularly with the fear that comes with pregnancy. Although women were historically obligated to provide children, that is fortunately no longer the case anymore. Even so, women who may wish to bear children have may witnessed or been told about the excruciating process that comes with labor; in my case, my mother still has scars from her cesarean section. Another element of the story that our current society connects with is the necessity of intermingling in order for both races to survive; all throughout history, we have witnessed the human race at its strongest when forces unite. This is true in Bloodchild, where the Tlic's need the humans to bear their offspring and the humans need the Tlic's for protection. Although the role of the humans is questionably submissive to the Tlic's, there are compromises willing to be made for the sake of their survival.

3. What changes would you make to adjust this story into another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?

I would most certainly not portray Butler's eloquently written but horrifying account of what Gan has witnessed in Bloodchild. Just reading it made me squirm! Although, that is perhaps Octavia Butler's intention in the story, so although it made me incredibly uncomfortable, I think it is necessary for the purpose of showing the audience the tribulations that Gan faces. I would be interested in readapting the story into a graphic novel; the sequence of events that happen throughout the story would be effective if put into sequential form. I don't necessarily see the need to make any changes in the story. Although if I was to take into consideration of who would be reading it (younger audiences?), I'd make it much less graphic.

The Left Hand of Darkness

Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness was one of the more interesting, if not confusing stories I’ve read for this class. While I understand the cultural relevance and impact it had on the science fiction community, I was not completely enthralled with it as I would have liked to have been. The novel was a milestone for feminist works and the novel was critically acclaimed for its sexual ambiguity. Personally, none of the characters were as compelling as I would have liked them to be; although I respect the novel for being a breakthrough when it was released, there are some critical flaws that I found unable to ignore as I read the book. I was never fully attached to any of the characters – specifically Genly Ai. I found myself to be a little emotionless as I read the book.

Throughout reading the book, a part of me felt a bit unfulfilled. I suppose because Le Guin’s expansive world was a bit overwhelming for me to understand; the ideas presented seemed interesting enough but there was room to divulge into more of the complexities of her characters and the culture she created. The ideas are great, but the plot? Not so much. It seems like it was more of a world building exercise on Le Guin’s part.

The Martian

 One of the more impressive elements of The Martian, written by Andy Weir, is its impressive accuracy in portraying science and space. The author maintains a zealous commitment to this factor; not only does Weir have a background in computer science, but he studied and researched into subgenres of specific sciences that many space operas err on. In fact, the novel is credited to have reignited interest in space exploration and NASA’s program since the Cold War. However, this is not to say that the book is free of miniscule improbabilities. This cannot be helped, however, as Weir’s intention was probably also to create an interesting story with a plot.

It makes me think back to many of the space related movies and entertainment I’ve watched – and I’ve pondered on the accuracy of its portrayal in science. For example, I’ve long been a fan of Star Trek: The Original Series, and its subsequent reboots. And while there are plausible prospects in the science behind Star Trek, there are also many inaccuracies that have been gleamed over for the sake of the plot. Although there is scientific retort and discussion throughout the series, it certainly isn’t a hard science in the way Weir’s novel is.

Another example is the franchise Star Wars – and those films are perhaps even further from an accurate science than Star Trek is. Star Wars essentially incorporates the use of a supernatural force… The Force, which is similar to telekinesis, a psychic ability never proven throughout the course of human history. On the other hand, the majority of people don’t watch these franchises for the sake of accuracy…