Cancer

Cancer—its threat and its usefulness—functions as a symbol of the differences in culture and psychology between Lilith and the Oankali, as well as a good example of the tension between whether their relationship with humanity is helpful or predatory. The Oankali are fascinated with Lilith's cancer because they see it as having potentially generative properties for their own methods of healing and medicine, while Lilith sees it as a threatening genetic flaw that has been passed through her family for generations. Though Lilith comes to understand the Oankali's interest in the cancer for what it is, she never fully accepts that it is a positive genetic behavior, underscoring the difference between humanity and the Oankali, and the impossibility of bridging that difference through explanation and understanding alone.

Banana

The banana that Lilith is given while in captivity represents her yearning for home. As simple...