Kindred

I can honestly say I was nervous going into the book, Kindred by Octavia Butler because I was worried it was going to be another desensitized recollection about slavery. Slavery was a prominent time in American history that should not be taken lightly or dramatized in any way. I was, in fact, pleased with how this book was written and the story that was told through Dana’s eyes. The part of the book I really want to focus on is the end that we talked about in class today. I didn’t give my two cents worth on my thoughts and opinions on the significance of Dana losing her arm in class, so I am giving it now.

When I first read that part of the book, I was confused on why Octavia Butler incorporated that, and at that point in the book. After rereading it a couple times and thinking about it and the time period, I feel that Dana lost her arm, a part of her, in the 1800’s while traveling back and forth. This physical change to her body will be carried with her for the rest of her life, just like slavery will be carried with her for the rest of her life; as her ancestors are the reason she is able to live the life she wants and can consider marrying Kevin. “His body went limp and leaden across me, I pushed him away somehow-everything but his hand still on my arm. Then I convulsed with terrible, wrenching sickness.” (Page 260) The fact that Dana lost her arm in the place where Rufus’ hand was signifies, to me, that even in death, Rufus controlled Dana in that instance and in the future, as she will have to cope and live with one arm. Rufus has forever had an impact on Dana she will never be able to just forget or cover up, like the emotional, mental, and psychological damage. When Dana is trying to learn how to rewrite or go about her job back home with one arm, this is will be because of Rufus; she will be forced to change her life because of Rufus, leaving a forever impact on Dana.