Kindred by Octavia Butler

Kindred by Octavia Butler

Octavia Butler’s novel Kindred is categorized as science fiction because of the existence of time travel. However, the novel does not center on the schematics of this type of journey. Instead, the novel deals with the relationships forged between a Los Angeles woman from the 20th century, and slaves from the 19th century. Therefore, the mechanism of time travel allows the author a sort of freedom when writing this "slavery narrative" apart from her counterparts. Butler is able to judge the slavery from the point of view of a truly "free" black woman, as opposed to an enslaved one describing memories.

On a more superficial level, the fact that the novel has been deemed as "science fiction" opens it up to a greater audience. It is safe to say that the majority of people cannot relate to the troubles and scars of the antebellum south, in fact the only living persons who can purely relate are the descendents of slaves. And, even then, it is only on a secondary level, brought on by stories handed through the generations. The novel is seen through the eyes of a woman of the "modern" period of history, and centers itself on her counteraction. This gives the "fish out of water" quality of life. To this, the majority of us can sympathize. Most have been in a situation where things around are unfamiliar, thus forcing an adjustment in behavior. The adjustment that the main character Dana makes, though, is one that is very extreme. Clearly the time spent in the past made Dana much harder than she had been, she says, "If I’d had my knife, I would surely

have killed someone. As it was, I managed to leave scratches and bruises on Rufus, his father, and Edwards who was called over to help." (Butler, 176)

As far as how it works in the actual story of the novel, firstly, and most importantly, it puts a strong, independent, black, 20th century black woman in the antebellum south. This provides a strong contrast in living conditions, as well as psychological patterns with those of the 19th century Dana sees and conveys the world of slavery around her with the background of the 20th century, "our world." This allows the reader to find a real connection with the protagonist, Dana. Dana describes in its gory detail the whippings she took:

He beat me until I swung back and forth by my wrists, half-crazy with pain, unable to find my footi...

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...cants her categorizing the temp agency as a "slave market." (52)

This in turn sheds light onto the conclusion that the "scars of slavery" have not disappeared, shown symbolically through Dana. At the conclusion of the novel, Dana’s arm is stuck in the past, held by Rufus. Rufus becomes the representation of "the long arm of slavery." That which reaches out although slavery has long been abolished. As Dana’s scars do not heal

when she returns to 1976, the scars of slavery are still present. The consequences of slavery are still prevalent in our society today, what with the continuing battle for civil rights and for affirmative action. It seems that much like Dana, we cannot escape the results of slavery without making a huge sacrifice.

Ultimately, time travel lets Octavia Butler convey her own views on slavery, and the brutality of it. However, her main point is that although we have advanced through the last century, bigotry is still a major problem in our society. And, in order for any major progress to be had, each side will suffer losses, as Rufus’ life was taken along with Dana’s arm.

WORKS CITED

Butler, Octavia. Kinderd. Boston: Beacon Press Books, 1988.