xenophobia

In this chapter, Lilith struggles with her fear and revulsion toward Jdahya, an Oankali being who has saved her life by removing a cancer through non-invasive means. Despite her xenophobia and emotional turmoil, she begins to learn about the Oankali, their biology, their longevity, and their intentions to trade themselves, though the full purpose of their interest in humans remains undisclosed. The chapter explores Lilith's gradual, fraught attempts to accept Jdahya's presence and the alien nature of his species while confronting the psychological impact of captivity and transformation.