O. Butler's "Kindred"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains Butler's intent to explore the finer nuances of freedom is evident in the very fact that she chose the America's bicentennial year of freedom, 1976, as the time for situating her 20th century African-American protagonist. The author points out that, by using carefully chosen words and a matter-of-fact tone, Butler places, in perspective, modern day society, which treats certain classes of human beings as invisible people, undeserving of recognition and respect. The paper relates that the core of Butler's message is that the freedom finally obtained by the blacks was hard won and paid for by the suffering and loss of several lives, as symbolized by Kevin's scar and Dana's loss of one arm.

From the Paper:

"In fact, "Kindred "is full of such sleight-of-hand symbolisms. Take, for example, Dana's marriage to Kevin, a white man. Their union, in spite of the misgivings of both their families, is a rich metaphor for human integration the way it should be, free of racial, color or class barriers. Similarly, it is significant that Dana, a black woman, is the one summoned to rescue her white ancestor, Rufus, every time his life is in danger. Indeed, Dana's meeting with the child, Rufus, is her first inkling of the humiliation suffered by her ancestors. For, here was a small boy advising her that she had to address him as "master", while simultaneously calling her by the deprecating term "nigger" ."

More papers on O. Butler's "Kindred":

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• Analytical Essay # 144691 : "Feminism in "Kindred" by Octavia Butler"
• Essay # 138033 : "Judith Butler on Performative Acts and Gender Constitution"

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