Research topic: What are the motivations and consequences of characters' actions in Octavia Butler's 'Speech Sounds,' and how do these actions reflect the themes of survival, empathy, and societal breakdown in the narrative?

Name Course: Professor: Date: The motivations and consequences of the characters' actions in Octavia Butler's 'Speech Sounds,' and how do these actions reflect the themes of survival, empathy, and societal breakdown in the narrative? Introduction Octavia Butler's "Speech Sounds" is an interesting character-driven story centered around the protagonist Val Rye. Set in harsh Los Angeles where a global epidemic has left many survivors without the ability to read, write, or speak, the third-person narration reveals the moral despair of Rye's life, empty of everything she ever cared for and cherished—her work, family, literacy work, and community. While Rye overturns after this terrible moment, the loss she suffered is so consuming to an extent that it negatively affects her identity and almost erodes her will to live. Despite all this, Rye finds her way to a new sense of purpose and resilience largely due to her unwavering efforts to make meaningful connections with others in the hostile environment. Octavia Butler's "Speech Sounds," highlights that characters' motivations and the consequences of their actions are closely linked to the themes of survival, empathy, and societal breakdown. The examination of different characters' behaviors and reactions indicates that their actions and behaviors are driven by the instincts of survival, especially in a world ravaged by violence, diseases, and communication breakdown. Survival as a Driving Force Wiggs writes that “Survival is a powerful driving force, stronger than hatred and love combined” (Wiggs 313). The theme of survival becomes the driving force for the characters in Octavia Butler's short story "Speech Sounds" as they attempt to navigate a world impacted by an unexpected viral pandemic that has immensely affected life and human communication. Rye as told by the protagonist is one character that represents the fight for survival as she faces the realities of her society in a post-pandemic. The first instance of survival instincts depicted by Rye was when a fight was ensured while traveling to check if one group of relatives was still alive. As quoted “Rye, knowing the methods of bus drivers, braced herself and held on to the crossbar of the seat in front of her. When the driver hit the brakes, she was ready and the combatants were not” (2). In this instance, Rye's ability to predict the bus driver's reaction time and maintain a solid posture during the chaotic episode highlights her success in coping when faced with dangerous situations. Rya became more protective of herself by taking some preventive steps, in that way, she was safe from the ongoing violence on the bus during the journey. This instant reflects the unforgiving life in a dystopian world where only humans with fast-thinking brains can overcome any threat facing their lives. Survival is also illustrated by the incident where Obsidian offers Rye a ride which he initially does not accept. In the beginning, Rye is extremely cautious about pitching her tent nearby to a stranger under such risky circumstances. Nevertheless, towards the end, she is driven by her desire for security and companionship, which outweighs her skepticism. This choice in the end showcases the uncertainty of her situation and her desire to take calculated risks to guarantee the best possible outcome. Rye's inner turmoil is captured in her internal monologue where she deliberates whether to accept Obsidian's offer and as quoted, “… Perhaps that was why she had gotten into Obsidian’s car. She had never before done such a thing” (7). The seconds she spent to think and the doubt of thoughts she had reinforced the significance of her choice and the criticality of making the right choices at the specific moment.  Obsidian, on the other side, is an example of a "protector" in this unforgiving universe, fueled by an instinct to secure himself and the ones around him. His behaviors express a self-preservation instinct and an understanding that he must stay strong and stand by those who are also fighting for survival. An example of Obsidian's protective instincts is evident when he intervenes in a conflict between two fighting characters. As quoted, “Obsidian jumped from the car, shouting” (10). It is at this instant that he waved at Rye to help the woman who was being beaten. Besides responding instantly to this occurrence, his quick response to the situation meant that he was ready to put his life on the line for others. More so, Obsidian showing Rye and the woman kindness in the given situation illustrates his resiliency during difficult moments. Despite the inherent danger to his life posed by the hostile surroundings, Obsidian stands tall and firm in the face of the challenges of this newly discovered environment, keeping his moral senses upright. Survival is further reinforced in the text through the running woman. As quoted, “..Rye saw that the runner was a woman, fleeing from an old frame house to a boarded-up storefront. She ran silently,…. “(...