Pet Lilith

The best way to describe Lilith’s assimilation into her new Oankali family is as a pet. Nikanj often insists that she is a part of the family, but then again, so is a dog or a cat. Nikanj’s efforts to teach her about Oankali language are simply part of a training regimine similar to training a dog new tricks. Its important for Lilith to learn the Oankali language so she can understand her new masters better. The Oankali may treat her well, or at least well in their perception. But even a kind master is a master nevertheless.  The fact that the Oankali would rather tamper with her mind than give her access to written material is further evidence of their desire to keep her “tame.” Slaves too, were discouraged from learning how to read and write in pre-civil war times.

The man that Lilith meets, Paul Titus, is like a dog that needs to be neutered. Without sexual drive, Paul Titus is said to get along with his Oankali family peacefully enough – at least according to Nikanj. Yet when Lilith is introduced to the equation, Paul Titus immediately becomes aggressive. Going as far to kick and punch Lilith when she refuses his advances.

As a child, I had a rabbits that acted in a similar fashion. At first, I just had one male bunny. Throughout the entire time I had the male, he was docile, tame, and liked to cuddle on my lap. Yet when I introduced a female to his cage, his behavior immediately turned aggressive. He would bite me when I tried to hold him. The female kicked him when he tried to mate with her, and they often ended up kicking each other.

Further evidence of Lilith’s pet status is the fact that she bonds better with the child, than the adults. Children often have a more close bond with their pets than adults do. Perhaps this is because children are more open minded than their adult counter parts, and maybe a bit more compassionate. Unlike the adults, Nikanj seems more willing to respect Lilith’s sense of autonomy. He lets her wonder around the ship without guidance. He also makes sure to gain Lilith’s approval, before he tampers with her brain. This operation is similar to when a dog gets neutered or has its claws taken out. It is a procedure that changes a fundamental aspect of the creature’s being without its assent. Often, this procedure is done with the pet holder claiming that it is “the best thing for the pet.” How would they know, if they can’t even ask their pet for permission?

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