Power In Kindred By Octavia E. Butler

With every person we meet we hold power over one another in ways that often go overlooked. These things affect how each individual is treated and lives their lives. In the story, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, a work of science fiction, both the main character Dana and the child version of her ancestor, Rufus, exert power over one another with Dana holding the most. According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of power is “possession of control, authority, or influence over others.” In this story, power is an important theme. Throughout this story, we are able to see and compare the amount of power each individual holds. This “power” is connected to how each character interacts with others and their environment. While each person holds their

For example, “”You have to say it,” he insisted. “Or ‘Young Master’ or … or ‘Mister’ like Alice does. You’re supposed to.”” (Butler 30). This shows Rufus using the fact that he is a white boy to exert power over Dana by insisting she address him by ‘Master,’ ‘Young Master,’ or ‘Mister.’ The reason he is persistent in his demand for her to address him as such is because those labels are also connected to power. Another example is, “Not with you here. Read some more.” and “No she won’t. Read.” (Butler 88). This shows Rufus attempting to order Dana to continue reading to him. Considering the way he lives his life, he is used to ordering people around and getting what he wants because he is

For example, “Then I woke up, pushed the boy aside, caught the unburned upper part of the draperies and pulled them down. As they fell, they smothered some of the flames within themselves, and they exposed a half-open window. I picked them up quickly and threw them out the window.” (Butler 20). This demonstrates Dana choosing to help Rufus by putting out the fire he originally set. Accident or not, had Dana not thrown the drapes that were on fire out the window, the fire most likely would’ve only grew. If the house were to be entirely on fire, there is a chance Rufus and his family would have been injured or killed. Another example is, “The best way for him to go home is flat on his back — the least painful way anyhow.” (Bulter 60). This shows Dana sending Rufus’ friend, Nigel, to get his Rufus’ father, Tom Weylin, to come retrieve Rufus with a wagon. While they might’ve done that without Dana needing to tell them so, there is a chance Rufus could’ve gotten up and attempted to walk back, making his leg injury