1. Introduction to Postmodernism
Post-apocalyptic World in Butler’s “Speech Sounds”

2. Octavia Butler “The child in each of us knows paradise
Octavia Butler “The child in each of us knows paradise. Paradise is home” (Butler).
Accomplishments
American Science Fiction Writer
Short Story Writer
Novelist
Winner of the Hugo /Nebula Award

3. Post-apocalyptic World of “Speech Sounds” Minimalist Style, Fragmented Protagonist
Helps to propel the story forward in a quick fashion
Simple concise sentences creates tension and subtle suspense
Fragmented Protagonist (Rye)
Teacher who has been deprived of her skills
Cautious yet vulnerable
Aggressive with a nurturing side
Jealous with a remorseful side

4. Post-apocalyptic World of “Speech Sounds” Setting
Post-Apocalyptic California (Low Tech Society)
From a once idealized world to a chaotic world
Low-tech setting to “dehumanize” and “humanize” Rye
Environment contributes to jealousy and violence

5. Post-apocalyptic World of “Speech Sounds” “The child in each of us knows paradise. Paradise is home” (Butler).
Plot
From Hopelessness to Hope of reestablishing order
Characters
From Middle of Language Loss to Hope of Language Formation
Setting From Post-apocalyptic Setting to Hope of Reestablishing Setting