Rufus and Kevin: two typical boys.

In Butler's novel Kindred, the main character travels back in time to live with her ancestors. An idea that was brought up in class caught my mind: why exactly did Dana time travel? At first I thought the answer was obvious; she went back to save Rufus' life. However, as we discussed it further, I began to explore the possibility that she went back in order to save herself. If you think about it, Dana's act of saving Rufus ensures her birth, and therefore "saves herself" from any other fate. Although this can clearly be seen as the reasoning for Dana's time travel, I discovered another possible reason later on in the novel. When Dana kills Rufus, she is giving all of the others who have been hurt by him a chance to live different lives. Personally, I think this is the reason for Dana's "adventures". Without Dana's act of murder, Rufus would have lived a very long, cruel life; he was turning into his father, even though Dana tried her hardest to prevent it.

Something else that surprised me in the novel is the fact that Kevin begins to change his mindset as he spends time at the Weylin house. When Dana and Kevin first visit the past, they are both taken aback by the conditions in which slaves were treated. It seemed that Kevin would not stand for it, considering his beliefs reflected his life in the 1970s. As the novel progresses however, it is obvious that he is being affected by living in the time of slavery. It is a true test of their love that their relationship lasts after their time travel. The disdain that Kevin begins to push towards Dana reminds me of Rufus' treatment of the slaves.

Rufus and Kevin both treat Dana like she is nothing to them; like most boys, they don't see how their actions can affect the lives of others.