➢ Where exactly do science and imagination interact in this novel? ➢ What sciences? ➢ Are omitted scientific disciplines or technical features a problem, e.g. does it matter that the Oankali ship is not mechanical? ➢ Is there any use of scientific method? ➢ Does the fictional quality of the narrative interfere with the science in particular ways? ➢ Where are there weaknesses in the fusion or the effect? Is there anything implausible about the possible future world Butler describes? What in the present earth situation would lead her to project such a future? >> What strengths result from combining scientific theories or information with fiction? ➢ What scientific problems are woven into the story? >> What political problems? ➢ Why do you think Butler disliked so much the suggestion that the novel sets up a Utopia?