One thing I think about constantly with Octavia E Butler’s work is the recurring theme of resentment of being dependent in a symbiotic relationship especially when it’s unexpectedly thrust on one party (the origin of the pattern and the accidental ensnarement of the original 5 telepaths who eventually become more stable with Mary during her transition in Mind of my Mind) or that party has limited choice in the matter (Lilith and the other humans with the Oankali who are able to extend their lifespan and cure grievous injuries and illnesses but as a result of the union she and the other humans are biologically unable to leave their alien mates for too long). Like, yes, they get numerous benefits and their quality of life is greatly improved but there’s a limit to the amount of freedom that party has as a result of the relationship and yet they cannot escape it.
