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Learning Objectives

Student Learning Outcome 1: Annotate collaboratively on a science fiction text to critically discuss major ‘utopian’ elements literally and figuratively presented in the narrative, "The Book of Martha" by Octavia Butler.
Student Learning Outcome 2: Imagine the possibility of a better world by examining the different potential outcomes of utopian ideas
Student Learning Outcome 3: Consider another person's point of view and experience when analyzing a science fiction text
Student Learning Outcome 4: Reflect on your experiences and the role they play in shaping your construction of utopian ideals

Instructions:

Read the following story:

"The Book of Martha" (1995) by Octavia Butler.

Activity

An exploration into US American style utopianism with these passages from Chris Jennings’ Paradise Now: The Story of American Utopianism (2016), where Jennings, a journalist and historian, lays out the feelings that accompany a utopian impulse:

- Utopianism may be a species of optimism but [the utopian impulse] is always born of discontent. Every utopia, whether it remains on the page or takes shape in brick and mortar, reveals the anxieties and disappointments of its author(s). “The great utopians,” wrote the historians Frank and Fritzie Manuel, “have all borne witness to their anger at the world, their disgust with society.”

- Utopia is diagnostic. Suffering yields hope, and each particular shade of hope is colored by the suffering.

Consider these ideas as you read "The Book of Martha."

Together as a class, you will discuss this short story. Think of the following questions to guide you as you are reading. You will be asked to answer them in a discussion.

How would you define a utopia? How is a utopia described or depicted in this story?
How does the main character decide to make a near-utopia? What elements influence her decision-making process?
What does Martha learn from reflecting on her past experiences?
How does talking about what might result from the utopian ideas she considers impact her ultimate decision?
Do you think you have a better near-utopian idea? (You'll need this for your next assignment).