105 pages 3 hours read

Octavia E. Butler

Dawn

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987

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During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Part 1

Reading Check

1. Who is the only other human Lilith has seen in captivity?

2. How long has Lilith been asleep?

3. Where is Lilith, according to the extraterrestrial being?

4. What do Jdahya’s people call themselves?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is Lilith’s environment like after Awakening?

2. Why is Lilith afraid of Kaaltediinjdahya lel Kahguyaht aj dinso (Jdahya)?

3. How does Lilith gradually get over her initial fear of Jdahya?

4. What plans do her captors have for Lilith, and how does she react to them?

5. How does Lilith react to what Jdahya’s people want in return for saving humans?

Paired Resource

Freedom Is a Choice

  • In this 8-minute TED Talk, Maya Jones describes facing her fears and finding freedom.
  • The video connects to the theme of Freedom.
  • What does freedom mean to Maya Jones? What is impacting Lilith’s freedom? How much choice or control does she have regarding autonomy and free will?

Part 2

Reading Check

1. Who is Kaalnikanj oo Jdahyatediinkahguyaht aj Dinso?

2. Where are the “sleeping” humans kept?

3.