Parable of the Sower

by

Octavia E. Butler

President Christopher Donner Character Analysis

Christopher Charles Morpeth Donner is a presidential candidate at the beginning of the book, and is elected while Lauren is still living in the neighborhood. Some characters hope that Donner will deliver on his promise to return the country to its former state, while many others—including Lauren and her father—remain skeptical. Lauren especially dislikes Donner’s opposition to the space program, which he plans to dismantle.
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President Christopher Donner Character Timeline in Parable of the Sower

The timeline below shows where the character President Christopher Donner appears in Parable of the Sower. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3
Religion, Hope, and Change Theme Icon
...Astronautics don’t tend to know much about science. One of the Presidential candidates, Christopher Morpeth Donner, has promised to eradicate the space program if he is elected. Lauren’s father agrees with... (full context)
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
The sitting president has lost the election to Christopher Donner. Donner promises to dismantle the space program within a year, and plans to suspend environmental... (full context)
Chapter 5
Religion, Hope, and Change Theme Icon
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Truth vs. Denial Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
...and a measles epidemic on the East Coast. Joanne says her mother hopes that President Donner will make everything go back to “normal,” but the girls agree this will not happen.... (full context)
Religion, Hope, and Change Theme Icon
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Truth vs. Denial Theme Icon
Joanne suggests that her mother may be right about Donner, but Lauren denies this, arguing that Donner is only a false symbol of hope. Lauren... (full context)
Chapter 7
Religion, Hope, and Change Theme Icon
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Truth vs. Denial Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
...to take root among the stars.” At the moment, this destiny seems impossible, as President Donner and other leaders are dismantling their countries’ space programs. Lauren doesn’t know when or how,... (full context)