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Book 2, Chapter 10
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Dawn, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Humanity, Evolution, and Genetics
Motherhood and Leadership
Consent and Autonomy
Sexuality and Gender
Summary
Analysis
Ahajas and Dichaan arrive, and Nikanj passes out. They are siblings but have no prior relationship with Nikanj, which is all typical of Oankali mating. Of Nikanj’s family, only Kahguyaht is allowed to visit. Lilith goes back to Jdahya and Tediin. They wish her farewell—Lilith will now be living with Ahajas, Dichaan, and Nikanj. Lilith is nervous about this, but Jdahya reassures her that it will be for the best.
This passage further shows the strangeness of Oankali mating compared to humans, revealing how they have no concept of incest. On the one hand, Lilith often tries to keep an open mind about accepting how Oankali society and customs might be different from humans and describing them in neutral terms. Still, the Oankali continue to exert control over her life, forcing her to go live with Ahajas, Dichaan, and Nikanj without giving her a say in the matter.
Themes
