Parable of the Sower

by

Octavia E. Butler

Tracy Dunn Character Analysis

Tracy Dunn is Amy Dunn’s mother. She was raped for years by her uncle, resulting in her becoming pregnant at 12 with Amy. Tracy has difficulty expressing love for Amy, but after Amy dies Tracy is inconsolable, and eventually walks out of the neighborhood gate without returning—effectively a form of suicide.
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Tracy Dunn Character Timeline in Parable of the Sower

The timeline below shows where the character Tracy Dunn appears in Parable of the Sower. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 4
Religion, Hope, and Change Theme Icon
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Truth vs. Denial Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
...fires, which they execute successfully. Lauren worries about what will happen to Amy, whose mother, Tracy, was only twelve when she got pregnant with her as a result of being raped... (full context)
Chapter 5
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
By the next day Amy’s body has already been cremated. Her mother, Tracy, never liked Amy but now cannot stop crying. The Dunn family has “spent money they... (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
It is the day before her 16th birthday, and Lauren can’t wait to be older. Tracy Dunn has disappeared; ever since Amy died, she has been talking about wanting to die,... (full context)
Chapter 8
Inclusion vs. Exclusion Theme Icon
Creation, Destruction, and Rebirth Theme Icon
Writing, Books, and Scripture Theme Icon
A week later Tracy still hasn’t returned, which almost certainly means that she’s dead. Meanwhile, Bianca Montoya, another girl... (full context)