Kindred Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Kindred - Essay Example The book starts with the basic premise of controlling and protecting the kid’s life for her own existence. The initial relationship between Rufus and Dana is based on equality. Rufus although coming from white race, treats Dana with some respect and love. Rufus is dependent on her for his life and is in awe with her because of her sophistication and education. Rufus calls her ‘Nigger’ which he doesn’t realize or feel to be offensive. It is also an example how power was taken for granted by white men and the culture of the society. His compliance to Dana’s request that he would call her ‘black woman’ is a surprise considering this background. He grows up to be a violent, tyrannical and spoilt young man because he emulates his father. Weylins believe in the racial superiority and exercise through the power they have over their household and plantation. The physical brutality is exercised to keep the household in control and to demonstrate the centre of the power. Rufus also has this streak but feels that his people should also love him and think of him to be a good master, makes him spend for them. It is often noticed in the book that people who exercise power also feel the need of love they want in return. There are evident examples of this in the relationships between, Alice and Rufus, Dana and Rufus. In all of these one is dominant and the other submits to dominance against the will.