And then there's one other aspect of these stories that's quite different from Whitehead's book, or even Billy Pilgrim's coming unstuck from time -- the things Dana brings into -- and back from -- the past are persistent, whether it be manumission papers or a swollen jaw. And then there's this curious discrepancy of time -- though they've been in the past, even for years, when Kevin and Dana return to their "present" of 1976, only a few moments have passed. Kevin manages this disorienting aspect of their time travel less well than Dana; in the time in the past when they were separated, he seems to have taken on a different, harder kind of burden, one that he can't bring himself to discuss with her. At the same time, Dana's efforts to engineer the past grow more convoluted and perilous -- for, even as she sees Rufus grow increasingly blind to the violence and harm he sows, she can't know what she risks if she kills him --until she does.
Brian Gilbert
ReplyDeleteReading this book reminds me of why I enjoy fiction written with a foot in fact. It allows for a more personal connection to events that in a pure rational sense are so distant as to be often meaningless. But when written with a eye towards bridging that gap through a writers chosen connection I think it adds a weight that is undeniable. Human cruelty to other humans is exhaustively documented and analyzed and yet seemingly so easily cast aside in favor of brighter narratives or clinical removal and examination. Yet the cruelty has never ended and in many ways and in many parts of the world continues as if time has not passed from the days of rocks and fists. I find it interesting the narrative that Dana uses the histories and her own lineage to find a thread to follow in her experiences with time travel and interactions with her ancestor Rufus and Alice. I have yet to finish the book but so far like all great fiction find a connection that non fiction often lacks. A investment that abides through human imagination and our ability to empathize and find common ground even across ages. The more I read about slavery and its legacy the more I feel we need a culmination similar to Germanies reconciliation efforts towards the legacy of the Holocaust. And books like this are a beginning, which makes current efforts to ban them all the more depressing.
Tess Collins
DeleteI agree with you wholeheartedly that bridging the gap between real important historical events and fictional stories that are interesting and engaging is super important. By continuing to retell these stories in different adaptations that are both compelling and thought-provoking, there is a better chance that readers will digest them and learn from them.
Kindred was an interesting read. Watching Dana come to realize she's there with her own distant relative and trying her best to keep herself from fading out of time. It's curious to think about what, if anything would happen to her if she didn't act exactly as she had, or if she always had acted this way. Time Travel always makes the mind flip trying to figure out cause and effect when the cause hasn't happened yet. My mind always wonders to Back to the Future 2, where Biff goes back in time and changes his life for the better. But if he did that, how was he able to return to the same 2015 he left from and return the DeLorean to Doc and Marty? Or The Terminator, where John Connor is born of a man in the future the he himself sends back to save his mother. Time travel is a popular Sci-Fi trope, and there's really no wrong way to do it since we can't really know what could be possible.
ReplyDeleteBut back to Kindred, Dana's battle with trying to live between keeping Rufus and the slaves she spends most of her time with from feeling she is swinging to far to one or the other is interesting. Seeing how the Weyland's treat their slaves as they could be sold not just for monetary or lack of good work reasons, but for petty and vindictive reasons as well somehow worsens the already terrible idea of slavery. It's hard to imagine that Dana herself comes from such terrible ancestors.
Brian Gilbert
DeleteI think one of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it illustrates the very real dynamic of Rufus's toxic love for Alice as well as Dana and how Rufus struggles with the contrasting impulses of what he wants and feels and the framework in which he was raised as to how the relationships with these two woman are defined. Does he love them even as he abuses them? Their is a clear love Dana has for him on some level and even Alice from their childhood growing up has an emotional attachment to him. Of course that is poisoned by what happens when they grow up. I think one of the more powerful aspects of this book as well as the prior book is the illustration of the complexity of relationships within the society of slavery. Rufus's father shows such a clear fear of and lack of understanding about Dana and what she is. She is in many ways a true alien to him, outside the established norms of his world, tied inexorably with his son. One of the most chilling illustration of the banality of evil written in these books is the way such cruelty like whipping is simply the way things are done and how much the slave owners see their actions not as evil or wrong but rather as a foregone solution to resistance against the established order of things. Something that one sees in all such societies including Nazi Germany and the the treatment of other minorities all over the world and throughout history. Such as Japanese and Chinese treatment of the Korean people. The English colonists of Australia's treatment of the Aborigine's.
Brian Gilbert
ReplyDeleteIts interesting Professor Potter how you mentioned the time difference. In one of my favorite sci-fi books; Enders Game and in the sequel Speaker for The Dead the author uses the idea of time dilation whereas the faster you travel the slower time passes for you relative to time passing at a fixed point. So the main character in both books, Ender Wiggin travels for years as decades pass back on Earth were his sister is. So he ends up staying young as she ages. The real world science bears this out. Its use in Kindred allows for a great aspect of showing the way time and the experience of it passing at different rates affects Dana and Kevin as well as their relationship with Rufus and the plantation group.
I have heard of this book before but have never gotten the chance to read it till now. Before reading I already had a tiny bit of knowledge about who the characters are. This was a very interesting read. Dana herself is such an interesting character because she genuinely feels for Rufus even though he treats her and all her friends extremely poorly. Rufus is a very bad man and he knows it, he wants to be a good man but he doesn’t really try to be that at all. What really shocks me about the book is that Dana and Alice actually get so used to Rufus’s awful behavior and being his slave that they actually feel for him. Dana’s life is filled with a lot of craziness and during all of that craziness she tries to figure out who she really is adding to all the things she deals with. When she also goes back into the past during the fire I felt like I was feeling the same shock she was feeling and all the horror she endured.
ReplyDeleteI loved reading Kindred by Octavia Butler because it teaches the importance of independence by having Dana do anything to defend herself in the Antebellum south from being sold, raped or killed. Dana needs a “safe” role to have during this timeline so she starts helping Rufus with his reading and writing skills by reading to him every day. Rufus’s father, Mr Weylin, catches Dana walking out with a book and asks her some questions. He sees that she is better at him than reading and writing and asks her to be Rufus’s teacher. “‘How’d you like to be the one to do the teaching?”’ (Butler, 91) Dana sees this as an important role so she can stay close to her ancestor Rufus and takes the opportunity. Now Dana has a safe role for her for when she returns to the manor later in time.
ReplyDeleteTess Collins
ReplyDeleteI found the graphic novel adaptation of “Kindred” by Octavia Butler to be a very interesting story. First and foremost, it provided a unique point of view to the period of time where slavery dominated the United States. Unlike any other slave narratives, the protagonist, Dana, told her story through the lens of a black woman living freely in the 1900s. Rather than being accustomed to the casual violence and intense oppression that black people had to deal with regularly, Dana was shocked by it. It was particularly interesting that Dana’s husband, Kevin, was white. When he entered the past with her for the first time, Dana was immediately concerned to have him with her even though he offered her some level of protection. She did not want him to have to go along with the horrible customs of white slave masters in 1819 nor have to see her subjected to belittlement and cruelty.
Not surprisingly, the dynamic that Kevin and Dana had to adopt when they went to the past put a strain on their relationship. Kevin did not understand the depth of Dana’s role as a slave and the drastic difference in the positions that they were in. Dana naturally resented him for having to pretend to be her master and was disgusted by how quickly one could be trained to accept slavery. Her and her husband fell into their roles so quickly and did such good jobs of acting in order to protect themselves and make it out alive. This is no different than any other person living in the 1800s who recognized the cruelty and oppressive system of slavery as the evil that it was, but that stayed silent and remained complicit anyways.
Although I was rather intrigued by the book’s concept, I do not think that the plot was developed as well as it could have been, and I definitely thought there was content missing from the dialogue. I do not know if this is simply due to the format of the story as a graphic novel, but I found myself longing for a little more context and information.
It was interesting to look at this time in history through Dana’s lens. The thought of being able to interact with your ancestors and seeing how they truly were first hand I think was a cool opportunity Dana had. However, later seeing the toll it had on her when she returned to a much more different and disoriented reality I think really put things into perspective for her. Throughout the book you can see Dana consistently battle between the extremes of the spectrum that exist during this time and more especially being married to a white man. It wasn’t surprising to see both Dana and Kevin become in many ways shocked by distinct differences between their present and the past. It made me wonder how it would change things if they would’ve been presented with the option to either travel to the past or stay in their present time only knowing what was part of their current reality.
ReplyDeleteMadison Marcure
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to see how quickly people can adapt to the insane ideology of discriminating against others based on their race. While Kevin and Dana knew that they were only pretending to stay safe, you could tell that it put a wedge between them in their marriage. It wasn't hard to see that Kevin easily took his role as the master, while Dana had to put all her beliefs and strength aside to play slave. It was also shocking to see Dana have empathy for Rufus even though he treats her so poorly. It's as if she knows deep down he has the potential to be a good man, he just needs to try and want it. Time travel is a crazy concept to begin with, and given the opportunity I don't know if I would be willing to travel back in time and really experience how my ancestors lived. I may not be black but I still would never want to be apart or witness such heinous acts of violence towards any African Americans. The only upside to time traveling would be that I would be entering this world with a clear understanding of right and wrong, although anything I do could change the future forever. Definitely an interesting read and concept.
Brian Gilbert
DeleteOne theme I think to consider is the idea that right and wrong as theory is easy to define and abide. But right and wrong in the real world is far harder. The common thread of atrocity is how it is born on the decisions of common people who fall prey to group think and fear. Even within marginalized communities you see back stabbing and bias in the interest of self preservation and advantage. People like Gandhi or Harriett Tubman are both rare and not as rare as we might think, How many like them have been ground under the weight of a populations road to slavery, genocide and the like. The power of books like Kindred is how it shows the complexity of how such thinks happen and how they become a way of life. And the cost to both the victim and those who victimize. Paranoia, fear, hatred, anger, revenge. The book gives no answers or solace rather it simply tells us we are not as different as we may believe and only by facing these demons with honesty do we have any hope of preventing its repeat.
It was pretty ironic, yet cathartic reading how Dana ended up killing Rufus, despite saving him multiple times in the beginning. Granted, she only saved him mainly because of her releationship with the other slaves and wanting them to stay together. She even managed to secure her own family line once her ancestor was born (I forgot her name alreadly). Dana was definetly my favorite character throughout the entire novel
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that despite everything that Dana has done for him, Rufus only saw her as a tool at the end of the novel. His property, and nothing else. What was even more brutal was Alice's tragic end. So reading Dana's big win, and her fighting back was a huge cathersis in tying up the story somewhat. It was an interesting read at the end of the day. I was not expecting a sci-fi twist to the story.
Perspective, obviously, seems to be a major theme here... and a versatile one, at that. Dana's perspective on modern times was certainly influenced when she experienced the atrocities of the not-so-distant past. And her perspective on the monsters of olden days were changed due to her proximity to them. Dana's ability to approach these events through the lense of a time-traveler dearly affects her throughout the entire story. Emotionally, mentally, and physically. Another thing I quite enjoy is how this book serves a good lesson in how complicated, grimy, and uncomfortable history is. Especially history that's so close. Reading about olden times is of course a tremendous tool to understand and unravel the past; to study what was wrong, and pave way for the future... Nevertheless, the perspective you'd have through living through a history book? It'd change everything.
ReplyDeleteOlivia Bradstreet
DeleteI totally agree with your thoughts on perception throughout the book. As well as how "complicated, grimy, and uncomfortable" history is, because history really is a lot to process both past and present.
I found it an interesting concept that Dana would go back in time every time Rufus was injured or hurt. She was able to see her heritage and experience what her ancestors lived through. I do not have much to say at the moment but as I read more I am sure I will.
ReplyDelete- Stephanie Pauley
Olivia Bradstreet
ReplyDeleteI have never heard nor read Kindred before this class, but I wish I had because this book is my favorite from what we’ve read so far. This was a very interesting and great read that I would recommend others to read as well. I love the idea of Dana being able to go back in time to see her ancestors, even though it ends up turning sideways on Dana and her husband Kevin. This was because Kevin can’t really grasp what Dana has to go through as her role of a salve. Dana was put through so much physically and mentally which I admire, because she held herself up and figured/did what she needed to throughout the book. Overall, I think Butler did a great job showing perception, independence, determination, and courage throughout the book.
Karina Nunez
ReplyDeleteThis will be my first time reading this book and it has caught my attention from the very beginning of the story. Dana being able to time travel and help this little boy named Rufus out who clearly over the corse of his life lands himself into danger for some reason this makes Dana time travel to him. What I found most fascinating is how were taught in school about history and slavery but we will never know the true agony most of our ancestors had to go through. Dana being able to time travel and learn what these people had to go through is very daunting and traumatizing. There was an encounter where she herself was wipped and had to self medicate not wanting to explain the real cause for her trauma. Dana being able to time travel made the story much more interesting. She was able to go from a free woman living up north years after slavery had ended and even married a man who during the period of slavery was forbidden to finding herself in a plantation where she would be considered a slave. Dana is admirable throughout the story she's a very strong person for always holding her guard and helping others through her encounter with the people In the plantation. Octavia Butler created a story that should be read by many this is a great read I highly recommend.
Sabrina Soler
ReplyDeleteWhile reading this book I couldn't seem to put it down. I was so drawn in, I found the book very interesting, especially the time traveling. I was fascinated by how Dana's life could completely switch so fast. I was amazed with her bravery and resilience throughout the story.
Dana, a young black woman, living in late-twentieth-century California, is abruptly transported back in time to the antebellum South, where the young boy of a slave master is drowning, and she must save him, according to Octavia Butler's novel. This is one of the few books that I have genuinely liked reading. The writing style of this story is intriguing, and because it is a multi-genre book, you will never be bored. This is a book that I would recommend again and again. You may immerse yourself in the environment described by the author and experience the contradictory feelings of all those involved. Butler expresses her conviction that one's self-image and, as a result, one's beliefs about one's own and others' strength or helplessness are shaped by one's surroundings and training.
ReplyDeleteShannon Duckworth
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this book before this class, and I really enjoyed reading it. I found it very interesting that Dana was able to time travel and help Rufus when he needed it, but at the same time see what her late family was going through. I also liked that her husband, Kevin, was able to travel with her and have those experiences as well. I think the author did a great job with this book and I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends.
BreAna Durand
ReplyDeleteBefore starting this book, I had no idea what it was going to be like. While reading, I was really interested in the time travel. My favorite character was Dana. I found her to be very brave and in control of her emotions. Her ability to travel to see what her ancestors went through is what drew me into reading more. The author did a wonderful job at showing history through Dana. They made it interesting to read about. and I would love to read more by this author in the future.
I honestly had no idea what this book was really going to be about- but i believe that overall it was a good read, i enjoyed it. It was interested in the time travel as well, i think it would be cool to be able to time travel. I enjoyed this author and think it would be interesting to see what else has been written by them.
ReplyDeleteI found Kindred to be an interesting concept because it was not written as a typical historical novel, all set during the same time period. The back and forth is what kept my attention. One of my favorite quotes from the book, "But then, slavery or any kind fostered strange relationships". I think some of the slaves, Dana included, felt contradictory emotions towards their owners (hence her wanting to help when they were injured etc). The owners beat them down so much emotionally and physically, into such a state of submissiveness, that I think instead of pure hatred, they almost felt a sense of appreciation anytime their owners at the slightest shred of humanity. Dana eventually making the decision to go back and help Rufus, reminded me of kidnapping victims that suffered from Stockholm syndrome. Even though she had horrible experiences with him, she still felt a bond and sense of compassion towards him.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Warner
Dylan Gagnon
ReplyDeleteWow, what a wild wild read. So Dana can time travel but not at her own will, saves Rufus, little jerk, and has manage this absurd double life of time traveling?! Such a strange book, one I personally wouldn't pick up if I read the back of it but none the less a decent book. My favorite part is when she finally kills Rufus, not because he's a ginger but because he was a total piece of shit human. Sure he may of wanted to be good and he was an innocent kid but still, I'm glad he got his life taken by Dana, however I don't understand why when she goes back her arm is in the wall and severed? As a consequence? From the wrist slitting?? I feel as if this showed someone trying to reconnect with who maybe they once were but have since changed, for example, Dana going back to help Rufus only to have him suck and then he tried raping her later on. Yea glad he's dead, overall a strange and twisted book.
This novel was very interesting, I couldn’t place it down once started reading, the illustrations were fascinating. And being able to read about Dana time traveling to the time of her ancestors was interesting.
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