Coercion in Octavia E. Butler's Xenogenesis

Abstract

Throughout Octavia E. Butler's Xenogenesis trilogy, which introduces humanity to an alien species called the Oankali, there are many imbalances of power. Between violence from toxic masculinity and alien sedatives, the characters are constantly trying to (knowingly or not) exert their dominance over another being. These power imbalances lead to instances of coercion, between humans and across species. This essay analyzes Butler's complicated, nuanced, and varied treatments of coercive actions in Xenogenesis.