Wild Seed can raise great interest in the history of slavery in Africa, as well as in the New World. It focuses upon the West African region, especially Nigeria. Butler's historical, sociological, and anthropological source studies focus upon the Nigerian area. Meanwhile, the relationship of Doro and Anyanwu is a compelling tension of preemptive male violence and megalomanic will with the patient female nurturing, delaying of gratification, healing, organizing, and resignation in the face of inexorable force. Of course, Anyanwu, too, is a superspecies of woman unto herself and therefore has and uses power to pursue her ends which are to make the lives of her series of husbands and children as fulfilled as possible.

1. Does Butler's depiction of the history of slavery in Africa and the Middle Passage seem realistic?

2. How can the problem of Africans selling other Africans into slavery be examined?

3. Would the...