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Book 3, Chapter 7
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
Lilith’s humans are annoyed with her when she gets back, accusing her of putting off her duties just to have sex. Jean and a man named Peter Van Weerden are particularly vocal. Lilith warns them that if they rise up against her, they are likely to be separated again and placed back in suspended animation. Afterwards, Tate congratulates Lilith for finally issuing a warning to everyone. As Lilith goes back to check on Joseph, she begins making peace with the idea that some humans will always dislike or distrust her no matter what she does.
Lilith initially tried to be a leader by aiming for harmony among all her Awakened humans. But as her group has gotten larger, she has to balance a wider range of people and opinions. In this passage, her acceptance that some people will always be against her reflects further growth as a leader, as well as confidence in herself to stick with her ideals even when they run into opposition.
Themes
