Final answer:
In Octavia Butler's 'Bloodchild,' the stakes signify the high risks and potential consequences in human-alien relationships, highlighting themes of dependency, survival, and power.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Octavia Butler's Bloodchild, 'the stakes' refer to the high risks or potential losses involved in the interactions and relationships between humans and the alien species called Tlic. The stakes in the story revolve around issues of interdependence, survival, and the complex power dynamics at play between two different species coexisting on the same planet. By evaluating the stakes, we comprehend the underlying themes of sacrifice, love, and coercion that mold the characters and drive the narrative forward.