Parable of the Sower

Use these activities to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity. 

Debate on the Pros and Cons of Privatization of the Public Sphere

Several characters express their concern regarding the lack of support from public institutions, such as police departments, fire brigades, and government officials. In Butler’s dystopian future, these entities have been privatized, and people must pay for the services of the police and other entities. This is also seen in the example of Olivar, the private company that buys public land and entities cheaply to provide low-paying jobs to desperate individuals.

In this activity, you will debate the benefits and problems of privatization of public institutions. Using both the text and research, select either to support or not support the privatization of public institutions in the United States. Consider choosing the side that opposes your personal beliefs to help sharpen your argumentative skills. Work together in a group to draft arguments that justify your side. Your teacher will guide the structure of the in-class debate, where you will share your argument.

Teaching Suggestion: This debate centers on the theme of the Effects of Privatization within the novel.