The author, Octavia Butler, said that she was writing “the history of the future.” This is a complex concept because it appears to be a contradiction in terms. How could the future already be written? In Butler’s view, you could accurately predict the next 30 years if you followed the current patterns in our society. Of course she did not want things to turn out like they do in the story, but to avoid these things a radically new direction would have to be taken. In your theory, what do we have to do right now to avoid the scenario Butler has created?

Read the excerpt from infinite jest 'my application's not bought," i am telling them, calling into the darkness of the red cave that opens out before closed eyes. 'tam not just a boy who plays tennis. i have an intricate history. experiences and feelings. i'm complex. "read,' i say. 'i study and read. i bet i've read everything you've read. don't think i haven't. i consume libraries. i wear out spines and rom-drives. i do things like get in a taxi and say, "the library, and step on it." my instincts concerning syntax and mechanics are better than your own, i can tell, with due respect. the theme suggested by the excerpt is about a. being understood b. the value of education c. wisdom versus foolishness d. learning responsibility