The Evening and the Morning and the Night

In her exploration of various ethical issues at the center of human nature, Butler relies on ambiguity to resist coming to any firm conclusions, and we can see this reflected in other literary devices throughout the story. For example, in her examination of the theme of Human Nature and Social Structure, Butler does not arrive at any absolutes. Alan worries that the Dilg retreat functions like a bee colony, with the uncontrolled DGDs basically functioning as mindless drones without free will. On the other hand, Beatrice argues that she is providing an opportunity for the DGDs to live peaceful lives where they realize their potential. At other institutions, like the one from which she rescued Naomi, DGDs receive poor care, and these institutions tend to abuse those suffering from the condition. Ambiguity can also be seen in various symbols throughout the story. For instance, when Alan and Lynn first meet Naomi, Alan’s mother, she is sculpting an old woman and two children. This might be taken as a symbol of their relationship to Beatrice, but as Naomi is taken out of her routine by Beatrice to talk to Alan and Lynn, she never completes it. This suggests that the nature of the relationship between the three is indeterminate.

The two other major characters, Beatrice and Alan, can be seen as foils for Lynn. Their similarities to and differences from Lynn allow us to appreciate the difficult position she finds herself in. Alan is like Lynn in that they are both double DGDs who, at least initially, feel certain that they have a short and miserable life ahead. Unlike Lynn, Alan tends to adopt stern absolutist positions, arguing, for instance, that all DGDs should be sterilized to put an end to the condition. In contrast, Lynn tends to be more of an individualist, arguing that she doesn’t want children but she doesn’t want anyone to tell her she can’t have them (42). Beatrice, on the other hand, is like Lynn in that they are both double DGD women, which means they have a unique ability to care for other DGDs. Beatrice is clearly older and more experienced and is more certain of and at peace with herself. While it is clear at the end of the story that Lynn feels a moral obligation to become like Beatrice, she clearly doesn’t want to, and it is uncertain that she will be able to make peace with that internal conflict, reflecting the theme of Self-Determination and Individual Responsibility.

Foreshadowing can be seen in the story in its anticipation of the revelations about DGDs that Beatrice will provide at the story’s climax. For example, Lynn often comments that she feels driven and focused, and she notes this is a trait common to DGDs and that it is a stereotype others have about them. She chalks it up to a sense of terror stemming from the nature of their condition. She also, for reasons she does not fully understand, takes on a caring and managerial role among the DGDs with whom she shares a house. They do not seem to mind her frequent reminders to complete assigned chores, and she seems to naturally fall into the role. At Dilg, Beatrice reveals to Lynn that DGDs are in fact generally inclined to intense focus. Moreover, double DGDs like Lynn have a natural propensity for caring for other DGDs.