The parable of the sower

I think the narrative says more about community than family: in fact community is family. Community is immensely important in the novel. It is the only way to survive in a hostile world, but it is also filled with challenges. Lauren's old neighborhood was still divided by petty disagreements and arguments, and it took a very strong personality - her father's - to make people come together and see the value in acting as a community.

In Earthseed, Lauren seeks to build a community according to the truths that she has noticed in the world. She realizes that life (and God) is change, and she wants people to adapt themselves to this truth. The people she takes in - usually struggling, honest people - also have need of the safety and comfort of community. Lauren is able to establish a healthy community by encouraging questions and mutual commitment.