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Book 3, Chapter 3
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
After Lilith awakens Curt and Joseph, they each demand to know who is in charge and who Lilith works for. Lilith notices Curt glaring at Joseph when he hears Joseph has an accent, so she is quick to introduce the men to the women, where Celene seems to quickly take a liking to Curt. Lilith once again explains the Oankali, the ship they’re currently on, and the plan to repopulate Earth. Joseph fears that the Oankali’s experiments might be similar to Hitler’s goals with eugenics, and he feels that they should be ready to escape, if needed. Lilith agrees.
The demanding, business-like attitude of the first men that Lilith Awakens reflects the more aggressive role that men play in many human societies. Curt’s dislike of Joseph’s accent is a hint that Curt might be racist, foreshadowing how he is likely to react poorly when he is confronted with actual aliens of a different species. The more people Lilith Awakens, the more challenging it is to organize her society, highlighting the challenges she faces as a leader.
Themes
