51 pages 1 hour read

Octavia E. Butler

Adulthood Rites

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 2, Chapters 12-23Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2: “Phoenix”

Part 2, Chapter 12 Summary

Akin wonders why his family hasn’t come for him, but he realizes that the people in Phoenix appreciate his presence. Gabe introduces him to the work being done in the village, showing him the textile mill and the blacksmith. Gabe also shows Akin the village’s money, which has a phoenix emblem that symbolizes rebirth. Akin accidentally calls this mythology a lie, upsetting Gabe. However, Gabe eventually laughs, relieved that Akin is just like a “real” kid who makes mistakes.

Part 2, Chapter 13 Summary

Two new children—constructs like Akin—arrive in Phoenix, having been captured and sold. This excites Akin, and he asks to meet them. Akin and the new children explore each other. He discovers they are siblings—one human born and one Oankali born. The elder displays signs of femaleness, while Akin predicts that the younger, influenced by the sibling’s femaleness, will be male.

Part 2, Chapter 14 Summary

The humans, accompanied by Akin and the new children, Amma and Shkaht, venture into the mountains for reasons unknown to Akin. During their night camp, Akin overhears a discussion among certain human adults—notably, one called Neci—about the idea of severing new children’s tentacles while they are still young.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 51 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,400+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools