Chapter 1 Summary

Parable of the Sower is a futuristic novel that takes place roughly over the course of three years, from 2024-2027. The novel is written as a series of journal entries by the main character, Lauren Oya Olamina, who is fifteen when the book opens. Lauren is developing a philosophy of life - a pseudo religion, in which the basic tenet centers on the concept of change. Society in the United States in the year 2024 has deteriorated into a semi-state of anarchy. The police force is corrupt, and other governmental services, such as fire protection and welfare, are ineffective or non-existent. Only the very wealthy are able to afford the manpower and weapons to remain safe from roving gangs of addicts and malcontents who rob, rape, pillage and murder any vulnerable citizen. Groups of families who live adjacent to each other in neighborhoods have...