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Esteban Ramirez

Professor Mary Grover

COL WRIT R1A

21 November 2019

Binary convention not in the grave, but engraved.

The development of human relationships has always been founded on some underlying

criteria bringing an abundance of relationships into existence. For humans, the convention of

binary gender has significantly determined a majority of relationships since initial recognition of

the need for relationships. Human relationships as a product of binary gender’s influence have

resulted to being limited towards the loyalty of dyadic relationships where one individual must

be valued and obeyed while the other submits in obedience of the gender binary influence.

Binary structured relationships are rooted in patriarchal dominance assimilating this idea of

relationships having to function on the basis of an individual's submission and those receiving

the submission. In the novel ​Dawn, ​the author Octavia Butler focuses in on the life of the main

protagonist Lilith Iyapo. The author later goes on to demonstrate how in a post apocalyptic

setting, surveyed by a dominating alien species, humans develop relationships with one another.

Lilith serving to be the model experimental subject, is able to experience the alien species

present within the novel, “the Oankali,” alongside her very own species to reveal the crucial

significance of human binary gendered relationships. Within the novel, the Oankali relationship

structure contrasts against the structure of human relationships creating a line of implications

along with a revelation over what is truly significant for humans when establishing significant

relationships. Oankali structure seems to be more of an odd approach towards the formulation of
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relationships in the perspective of a conventional, binary mindset. The convention of a binary

mindset limits the significance of the Oankali structure from being viewed for the progressive

value it holds on defining relationships. Human and Oankali relationship structure go hand and

hand within the novel, combating one another to reveal the extent at which conventions of binary

gendered relationships prevail. Even as the author introduces the Oankali structure developing

much of the main human protagonist with the novel, patriarchal dominated binary gender

restrictions seen within human relationships triumphs when forming relationships.

The Oankali structure their relationships around the sense of community, and as

specifically seen within the novel, Oankali families depict this dynamic of grouped living

founded upon the intensity of their communicative abilities. The alien species depends on

neurological communication, deepening the extent of comprehension between one another

giving way for familial relationships at such size to be possible. Lilith upon being introduced to

the typical Oankali relationship structure of family observes, “The four sat atop a familiar,

featureless platform eating Earth foods from their several small dishes as though they had been

born to such a diet,” making generalizations over their interactions trying to make sense of how

Oankali families are structured, but also give insight over what makes Oankali relationships

different from the human binary norm. The sense of community among the Oankali can be seen

within this moment although not explicitly stated, providing initial descriptive exposure over the

form of relationship. Lilith later on dives more into the observation describing, “there was a

central platform with more of everything on it, and the Oankali took turns filling one another’s

dishes. One of them could not, it seemed, get up and fill only one dish,” solidifying this

characteristic among the Oankali of conducive grouped living. (176) This coexistence is
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consistent among the Oankali providing an alternative to what is seen in common human

relationship structures. As Lilith makes this observation, the fundamentals of what makes human

relationships can be questioned creating alarm to the prevalent convention. Seeing as the Oankali

are able to function in this way of grouped living it leaves humans unsettled in the lack of

comfort of the relationship form’s presence. The Oankali structure questions the binary rooted

within humans bringing this sense of alarm. As humans dwell in the discomfort of the

unaccustomed type of relationship, it’s common to see those who depend on binary gender

attempt to cement the conventional relationship form. One thing that is more common than the

discomfort generated in humans when faced with something unfamiliar is the reinforcement of

conventions making other forms of structure frankly impossible, that being community based

relationships.

As the Oankali’s structure sheds light onto this new possible form of relationship, it

shadows the convention of binary gender relationships making individuals question more than

the foundation of their relationships, but of their very own significance. Relationships revolved

around a sense of community and constant communication are relatively new compared to

dyadic relationships founded on the superiority and confidence of one side of the partnership.

Grouped-based relationships challenge the norm of binary based relationships making the

contrast between the species in the novel putting this emphasis on what’s acceptable much rather

than possible. Basic comprehension of anything requires the ability to acknowledge existence

and most important accept in comfort. For rooted binary structures and individuals who fall

under its influence, community isn’t really in the description. As shown within the conversation

between Lilith and Joseph after experiencing seuxal neurostimulation, the binary gender
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relationship dynamic remains fundamental. Joseph being troubled over the experience asserts

“Yes,” solidifying the assumption of Lilith’s addiction of alien stimulation allowing him to

express the reality of binary gender mindset saying, “Don’t let him touch you!” Lilith

demonstrates the severity of the dependency over the convention stating, “The refusal to accept

Nikanj’s sex frightend her because it reminded her of Paul Titus. She did not want to see Paul

Titus in Joseph.” (170) The inclusion of multiple individuals strips the dyadic portion of binary

relationships the foundation in which they interact. Increasing the amount of individuals within

the relationship doesn’t remove the possibility of dominance an individual can have over the

others within a grouped relationship, however makes it difficult being an undesirable factor for a

conventionally binary relationship. Contradiction is not unusual when these 2 forms of

relationships are present against one another. As seen within the novel, the Oankali are able to

function along this type of relationship while the binary structure humans are inclined to struggle

in adopting. Comfort is temporarily found in the human pairing among themselves, but are

rudely awakened by the presence of the community based Oankali. As much as humans like to

dwell on on the remnants of the conventionally binary relationship structure, in falling under

Oankali control are subdued to the idea of communal relationships. The overbearing presence of

the community clouds the convention demonstrating the implications of communal relationships.

Although the sense of community is established strongly among the Oankali, and

projected onto the captive humans, dependency on conventions like the dyadic structure of

relationships rudimentarily essential as it always finds a way of being resorted to. Within the

novel this idea of communal relationships is constantly thrown on the humans under supervision

of the Oankali, however when it comes to actually carrying out the mission for human
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awakening leading up to the eventual genetic trade, the presence of binary pairing is needed

within the group of humans to provide necessary comfort. During the humans overall grouped

development, the significance of binary relationships can be seen in how the initial group begins

to divide between 2 smallers groups all founded upon binary pairing. As described by the author,

“Fortunately Peter was not eloquent enough, not charismatic enough to shift blame for this to

Lilith--though he tried,” demonstrating the human urgency through Peter being a byproduct of

binary relationship mentality to reinforce its significance. Peter among many others fear Lilith

not for what she can physically do to them, but be acknowledged and seen as a superior making

Peter along with the many inferior. This is a direct result from the binary relationships influence

creating this need to pair off and fall under this to either be the person who submits or the person

who receives the submission. Another moment within the novel that displays the severity at

which humans subjected to the influence of binary relationship is when the group of men fought

over Allison’s ownership almost reaching rape until Lilith steps in. Gregory exclaims in the

following passage, demonstrating how a mind under the influence of a binary-focused

relationship reasons, expressing, “What is she to you!” to later say, “Get your own damn

woman!” (177) Gregory’s expression does not only show solidity over the relationship forms

presence found in humans, and their dependence on this need to feel superior or even more

severe, ownership over another to gain individual value. Gregory within this moment vocalizes

the norm in which it is acceptable for another human being to claim another, feeding into this

idea of needing power by taking it away from others. Gregory among many other characters

within their pairs reinforce this, but even more tragically cling to it for foundationless comfort.
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Individuals although exposed to other relationship forms will always find a way to fall

back on conventional relationship forms founded upon binary gender. Even though the novel is

seen to depict contrasting forms of relationships, community based versus dyadic, the essential

presence of binary relationship remains consistent. However, conflict is expected as displayed

within the novel amongst the dynamics of the humans and the alien species. Humans when

introduced to something out of the ordinary stress over not being able to perceive the out of the

ordinary in a way that is comfortable. Comfort and most importantly confidence is crucial among

humans to have over their lives, especially when it comes to relationships. The novel illustrates

this reality, seeing as humans when introduced to this new relationship form fail to acclimate and

depend on the binary convention to create a sense of authority over life. The dependency on the

conventional ultimately demonstrates the predominant presence and influence of the lives of

those founded upon the structure.

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Works Cited

Butler, Octavia E. ​Dawn.​ Warner Books, 1987.