« Surprise? Not Really | Main | Weylin's Control: A Social Negotiation? »

March 27, 2007

Afterthoughts on Kindred

First of all, I would like to note Kindred was a fairly simple read for such a potentially complex topic. It seemed as though complex issues such as slavery were portrayed with simple language and relative ease. The constant changes in time and setting could have only added to the complexity, but Butler managed to keep it all simple. Perhaps the fact that the novel was written from Dana's perspective helped all that. Had it been written from an objective manner or third person, situations would all of a sudden have to be examined from several angles. Dana allows descriptions and characterization to remain straight forwards and simple.

Also, there was quite a bit of foreshadowing in the novel. Immediately from the prologue, we know Dana will lose her arm. Then at certain points, Dana seems worried about leaving Kevin behind in that time period when he manages to come with her (pg. 77). Later, he is indeed stranded in antebellum Maryland. Moreover, throughout "The Fight" Dana mentions being capable of using the knife. For example, "I was watching him, feeling frightened, and suddenly very much aware of my knife, of how quickly I could reach it," (pg. 164). Subsequently, in the end, she ends up using the knife. The foreshadowing is readily apparent.

Other than that, I agree with Grant the novel is not purely a science-fictional one. Right now the only basis of its classification as science-fiction is Dana's ability to travel back in time, which itself is neither explained not explicitly addressed. The novel's primarily purpose seems to be to inform and educate the audience.

Posted by kkamaria at March 27, 2007 09:06 PM

Comments

I definitely agree that Kindred was not a science fiction; it belongs more to the genre of fantastical realism.
I also agree that Kindred was an easy read. I liked it for its easy read, but I also feel little disappointed that it was so easy to read. To me, I like Beloved better because of the multiple perspectives that it portrays.

Posted by: kimkyoun at March 30, 2007 02:40 PM

Login to leave a comment. Create a new account.