Adulthood Rites

The novel culminates in an exploration of the positive potential amid Violence and Human Hierarchy. The final section of the novel portrays Akin’s return to Phoenix, a city now marred by internal strife and self-destruction. Akin, as a symbol of both connection and division between humans and Oankali, is a lens through which humanity’s complicated nature is underlined. In Phoenix, he is met with a disheartening scene of human self-implosion; “hidden guns and open drunkenness” paint a bleak picture (262). Despite his intentions to help them by establishing a new human settlement on Mars using his Oankali abilities, the pervasive distrust toward Akin prevents the humans, even those he was close with as a child like Gabe, from completely trusting him. Gabe’s mistrust becomes a manifestation of this fear, particularly when Akin endeavors to heal Tate. Gabe’s skepticism, born from Akin’s changing appearance, mirrors broader societal anxieties about embracing the unfamiliar. Akin’s Oankali features are a perpetual barrier, highlighting the deep-rooted fear of difference within human society. The danger of this fear is made clear when Gabe interferes with Akin healing Tate, which harms both of them rather than protecting Tate. Ultimately, fear is inadequate for protecting loved ones.

However, as Butler continuously reminds the reader, humans are not only evil or only good. During Akin’s metamorphosis, a nostalgic mood permeates the narrative. Humans from his past return, evoking memories of his childhood in Phoenix. Familiar characters, despite their varied reactions, display a sense of kindness and resilience. The rotation of caregivers during Akin’s metamorphosis underscores the multifaceted nature of the human spirit—kindness prevails even in the face of uncertainty. This collective compassion is a testament to the resilience ingrained in humanity, offering a counterpoint to the prevailing violence and fear that have overtaken Phoenix. As the characters take turns caring for Akin, the narrative portrays a microcosm of humanity’s ability to nurture and support. In this way, the theme of The Complexity of Individual and Collective Identity takes center stage. How the humans treat Akin is a metaphorical mirror for human society. As they watch him during his metamorphosis and discuss a new human settlement on Mars, they embody the multifaceted human spirit—one that simultaneously desires preservation and destruction, reflecting the intricate dance between individual aspirations and collective destinies.

The fire that engulfs Phoenix emerges as a symbol, embodying both violence and a hierarchical struggle within the human community, relating to the overall theme of violence and human hierarchy. Some individuals, deeply scarred and resistant to change, become agents of destruction, causing irreparable harm to themselves and their settlement. However, the fire’s symbolic significance is underscored by the city’s name: Phoenix, a mythical creature that is reborn from ashes. What was once a symbol of hope in the settlement now becomes its metaphorical undoing. Phoenix’s destruction by its own inhabitants raises questions about the cyclical nature of human violence and self-sabotage. Neci, who previously embodied violent tendencies by wanting to harm the Oankali-born girls, becomes a representation of the destructive spirit within humanity. Through this portrayal, Butler emphasizes the challenges posed by those resistant to change. However, a hopeful note lies in the possibility of a new human settlement growing from the ashes—those willing to accept Akin and embrace difference may pave the way for a joyful and renewed future. Despite the destructive nature of the fire, Butler suggests a possibility for renewal and growth. Butler suggests that to move forward, the old must be destroyed; in this case, old prejudices and fears must die for a new, happier future to emerge.

The individuals who accept Akin, even during his metamorphosis into something alien, represent a bridge between the past and a hopeful future. They are the ones who join Akin outside of Phoenix as it burns. By the end of the novel, Akin embodies the transformative potential of accepting and embracing difference. This final section showcases the resilience and kindness inherent in the human spirit, even amidst turmoil. Butler challenges readers to confront societal prejudices and envision a future in which acceptance and understanding triumph over fear and violence, ultimately leading to the birth of a new and hopeful human settlement.