Adulthood Rites

“Trade means change. Bodies change. Ways of living must change. Did you think your children would only look different?”

This quote from Lilith introduces the core of her dilemma: The introduction of a new hybrid species requires change. This statement underscores the idea that progress and renewal are intrinsically linked to transformation. Akin’s otherness extends beyond physical appearance, encompassing shifts in behavior and destiny, symbolizing a broader societal and existential change accompanying a new future.

“Things touched him when this sound was made. He was given comfort or food, or he was held and taught. Body to body understanding was given to him. He came to perceive himself as himself—individual, defined, separate from all the touches and smells, all the tastes, sights, and sounds that came to him. He was Akin.”

This quote introduces Akin and provides insight into the ways both Oankali and humans experience the world. It draws parallels between Oankali and human experiences through the microcosm of how infants perceive the world—through tactile sensations and direct experiences. Butler intertwines the language and form of both human and Oankali experiences, suggesting a shared essence in the early stages of life and, by extension, a commonality in the broader experience of existence.

“It’s a human thing. Most humans lose access to old memories as they acquire new ones. They know how to speak, for instance, but they don’t recall learning to speak.”

Nikanj reflects on Tino’s curious attraction despite his lack of memory of their previous encounter. This observation is an early exploration of the distinctions between humans and Oankali. It initiates an examination of human experiences from an alien perspective, reconsidering aspects of the human condition that may seem intrinsic but appear peculiar when viewed through the lens of something literally alien.