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Bloodchild

Bloodchild by Octavia Butler

What is your reaction to the text you've just read?

My reaction to Bloodchild by Octavia Butler is a mixed one. It seems as though there's a boundary between the so-called alien or Tlic's perspective and the human or Terran perspective. People that had witnessed the transformation of the society from it's original state to one that lives symbiotically with the Tlic's are much more resistant to the idea of the Tlics and may even despise them. Particularly the brother in the story that had seen the pain and even death that can come as a result of them implanting into people. The implanting itself is a very disturbing image that can result in a nauseous feeling. The image that comes to mind when they describe the worms crawling inside of people as Tlic's young babies is revolting. Although it begs the question of whether it's possible to have symbiotic relationships to this extent with other species, and is this something that could happen in the future, is this something that would happen with aliens? It's always primarily speculation but I like that it poses these questions. Generally, from the human perspective, I think it's natural to be uneasy about this idea, and how some people in the story viewed it less as a symbiotic relationship and more of a one-way relationship in which the Tlic's are using humans to bear children.

What connections did you make with this story? Discuss what elements were you able to connect.

I think that it can connect to puberty or coming of age because it is perceived as normal in this world to become strong and bear the Tlic's children, similar to how it's normalized in our society to become sexually active and it can be viewed as gross as a younger person. Also, I think the main connection here is the relationship between the family as well as the Tlics and its complexity. The relationship is normalized but is it actually considered loving or healthy, or is it a manipulative relationship? It reminded me of relationships that people stay in because they love the person or because it's better for everyone else when in reality it's manipulative and can ultimately hurt you. Lastly, I think the relationships between the Terrans, like with the brother and sister are very relatable to anyone that has siblings. The siblings are always trying to protect each other even though they don't agree on everything.

What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?

I think that this story would make a really interesting premise for a movie, although it would likely require to add more details to the story. It is really similar to the premise of the movie and book The Host. For film guidelines, I believe that there would be much more context of the origin of the Tlics and also less that would be up for interpretation. The film would likely choose a certain angle against the Tlics and frame the storyline in that way, with the twist towards the end being that society accepts them and mates with them. As far as the actual storyline itself, I don't think there would be much changed to it, other than just adding more details.


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