There are no rules and limits for writer`s imagination and depiction of various and divergent topics, places and characters. Science fiction may serve as the most vivid example of writer`s power of thought. (Taylor) However, consciously or not writers of different genres tend to discuss issues that terrify them or eat them from inside, thus presenting world with the most beautiful masterpieces. The stunning and unique science fiction short story Bloodchild composed by Octavia E. Butler may serve as a perfect illustration of putting writer`s mind at ease through conveying particular issue on paper. (Butler, 20) This short story captivates, bewitches and takes one`s breath away not only by its futuristic and exterrestrial set but also by its main themes that are put into discussion. Through alien creatures author presents human relationship problems that can be found in every corner of our planet. Butler illuminates problem of decision-making, pregnancy and questions issues of love between two different beings. (Butler, 20) All these subthemes create one solid ground for main theme of symbiosis that not only emerges from but also empowers them. In order to see it one should give a definition of term ‘symbiosis’ and how this notion can be applied to and be seen in this short story.
In her afterword Butler explains her intentions and inspirations while writing this unique story. Thus she points out 3 main levels that build firm and fruitful ground for main theme of symbiosis:
“On one level, it’s a love story between two very different beings. On another, it’s a coming-of-age story in which a boy must absorb disturbing information and use it to make a decision that will affect the rest of his life. On a third level, “Bloodchild” is my pregnant man story. [] I wanted to see whether I could write a dramatic story of a man becoming pregnant as an act of love—choosing pregnancy in spite of as well as because of surrounding difficulties.” (Butler, 20)
All these subthemes illuminate theme of unique connection and interaction that has various interpretations and levels.
Merriam-Webster dictionary gives several definitions of term ‘symbiosis’. The first one identifies it from biological perspective, thus explaining it as “The relationship between two different kinds of living things that live together and depend on each other.” (Merriam-webster.com) It is clear from the first interpretation of this notion that events depicted in Bloodchild describe this particular biologically dependent relationship between Tlics and Terrans that have to cooperate in order to survive. The necessity and desperation of such situation can be found on the first pages. Thus narrator mentions that “Her people wanted more of us made available”, “we were necessities” that at the first glance gives a suggestion of vital biological dependence but as the story unfolds reader discovers that “Tlic saw [people] as not much more than convenient, big, warm-blooded animals” that can carry their young ones. (Butler, 3) Tlic`s treatment of Terrans may seem as parasite one, however, relationship between T’Gatoi, Gan and his family is more than meets the eye.
The second definition of ‘symbiosis’ is used in a broader meaning: “A relationship between two people or groups that work with and depend on each other.” (Merriam-webster.com) Again, dependability and tight cooperation are the leading things in such relationship which can be found in Gan `s explanation of gun prohibition and killings of Tlics “before everyone had a personal stake in keeping the peace.” (Butler, 8) This definition only highlights the previous one showing not only biological point of it but also pragmatic one. Terrans understand that establishing good relationship with Tlics will help them to live longer and have more or less normal life. Tlics, in their turn, increase their chance of successful breeding by not enslaving Terrans but by softly taming them and taking advantage of their hosting body.
The final and the most suitable definition of ‘symbiosis’ that sums up all aspects of it is “The living together in more or less intimate association or close union of two dissimilar organisms (as in parasitism or commensalism).” (Merriam-webster.com) This interpretation completely describes T’Gatoi and Gan relationship. Beside pragmatic and biological necessity of each other and dependability they developed emotional one that brings their relationship to completely different level. The intimate association can be seen in their physical interaction. For instance, lines like “I lay against T’Gatoi’s long, velvet underside, sipping from my egg now and then, wondering why my mother denied herself such a harmless pleasure” and “T’Gatoi liked our body heat and took advantage of it whenever she could” (Butler, 1) illuminate emotional closeness that comes through physical touches. Also, T’Gatoi`s peculiar way of hugging that reminds cage creates a dual interpretation of her treatment of Gan and his family. From the first sight she shows her emotional need to be as close as possible thus enjoying warmth and content. By touching him T’Gatoi feels deep connection not only with Gan but also with Gan`s father that hosted her. On the other hand she demonstrates her domineering position of a more supreme spice that holds Terrans like some sort of animals or even domestic pets. (Serendip.brynmawr.edu) She treats her ‘pets’ with love and care but at the same time she does not forget the difference between them that separates master and her animal. This domineering pattern of hers is seen in her imperative commands and actions like “Up, Lien!” and “She knocked me across the room.” (Butler, 5, 6)
It should be mentioned that T’Gatoi relationship with Gan can be truly interpreted as love. They developed mutual affection of each other that evolved from love into symbiosis, thus making this relationship more intimate and deep. Their mutual trust and connection can be found in T’Gatoi`s decision to leave Gan to help her with Lomas. Later she declares that “It is a private thing. It has always been a private thing” which reveals the Gan`s special position in T’Gatoi`s life. It can be seen from her actions that show her desire not only take from her relationship with Gan`s family and with Gan himself but also she contributes in them. For example, eggs and spending her free moments with them. Also, T’Gatoi shares not only her time with Gan but also her soul. Moreover, by spending time with Gan she prepares him for his duty as well as she prepares herself because T’Gatoi does not want to share such unique moment of her life with random host or even with Qui because she already has built a strong bound with Gan. After accident with Lomas T’Gatoi realizes that their mutual trust and connection may be not so strong and unique as she wanted it to be. The evidence of it lies in these lines “I couldn’t believe I had made such a mistake with you,” she said. “I chose you. I believed you had grown to choose me.” (Butler, 18) These lines imply intimate union that is supposed to be made voluntarily from both sides, thus condemning common laws and concepts of treating “host animals.” Although, their strange and freighting biological dependability cannot be changed Gan embraces not only this part of their relationship but also the responsibility that comes out of it therefore making their symbiosis stronger.
All things considered, through using unusual circumstances and species Butler subtly managed to convey notion of intimate affection, connection and dependability that can be describes in one word – symbiosis. Subthemes of pregnancy, decision-making and love build a firm ground that helped to dwell on theme of mutual intimate union.
References
Butler, Octavia. Bloodchild. 1st ed. 2016. Web. 5 Feb. 2016.
Merriam-webster.com,. "Definition Of SYMBIOSIS". N.p., 2016. Web. 5 Feb. 2016.
Serendip.brynmawr.edu,. "Bloodchild: A Close Reading | Serendip Studio". N.p., 2016. Web. 6 Feb. 2016.
Taylor, J. Douglas Allen. "Metroactive Books | Octavia E. Butler". Metroactive.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 5 Feb. 2016.
