Sibling relationships can be complicated; relationships between parents and children can be even more so. The definition of family often varies from person to person. For the majority of the population, the idea of ​​a “nuclear family” does not exist. In the novel Kindred, Octavia Butler uses both science fiction and slave narratives to explore differences in family bonds. Every situation is different, but some aspects of family relationships are virtually guaranteed. Although we tirelessly seek the love that comes from our loved ones, humanity is continually harmed by family slavery. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay At the beginning of Dana and Kevin's relationship, they didn't talk to each other much about their family. Dana's parents were dead and she would later find out that Kevin's parents were dead as well. Years ago, his parents died in a car accident (Butler 56). Further into their life together, Kevin asks Dana to marry him. This very traditional subject evokes the very untraditional families of Dana and Kevin. Dana expresses concern to Kevin about his only living close relative, a sister. Interracial marriages were not yet socially acceptable in the late 1970s, and Dana is reasonably worried about what her future husband's family will think of her (109). When Kevin returns from visiting his sister, he is shocked by her reaction to the upcoming marriage: "She didn't want to meet you, she wouldn't have you at her house - nor would I if I married you" (110 ). Not surprisingly, Dana reports that her uncle and aunt had a similar reaction. "Forgiving" the marriage only because Dana's children will have lighter skin, Dana's aunt criticizes the marriage. Dana's uncle also tells her, "The worst thing he could think of" (112). The worst thing is to write Dana out of his will so that nothing falls into “white hands”. It's clear that while Kevin and Dana hope to gain approval from their families, that approval isn't something that will ever happen. Instead of putting their marriage on hold, Kevin suggests the only thing they can do: "Let's go to Vegas and pretend we don't have parents" (112). Kevin and Dana desperately want their family to approve of their spouse, but are disappointed when the negative responses flood in. Slavery constantly transforms motherhood into a complicated affair. A child does not simply belong to its mother. Whether the father is the master of the plantation, another slave, or even a free black man, that baby becomes a slave from birth. Sarah, who runs the kitchen, has four children: three sons and a daughter. Tragically, her husband dies when a tree he was cutting falls on him (76). Shortly after, Tom Weylin sold Sarah's three sons. Sarah blames Margaret Weylin for this sale, telling Dana that Margaret: "She made Marse Tom sell my three boys to get money to buy things she didn't even need!" » (95). Although Sarah is the mother of these four children, she doesn't have much say in what happens in their lives. As masters of the plantation, Tom and Margaret have the power to decide the fate of each slave. Sarah thinks the only reason Carrie hasn't been sold yet is her inability to speak. Dana assesses the situation: “Her husband is dead, three children sold, the fourth defective and she has to thank God for the defect” (76). But Carrie's inability to speak isn't the only reason Weylin keeps her around. If Carrie wassold to another plantation, Sarah would have no family ties or reason to stay on the Weylin plantation. Not only does Carrie work hard, but she also inspires Sarah to work hard. As long as she has Carrie to protect, Sarah will stay on the plantation and follow Weylin's orders. In Carrie's life, Carrie's marriage to Nigel serves a similar purpose in Weylin's eyes. Nigel tried to escape, but the patrolmen brought him back hungry and sick. Weylin wanted to sell Nigel as punishment, but Rufus convinced his father to keep him on the plantation. Rufus tells Dana, "I don't think Dad relaxed until Nigel married Carrie." A man marries, has children, he is more likely to stay where he is” (139). By marrying Carrie, Nigel abandons his passion for freedom. Through the sale and marriage of slaves, familial love becomes a tool in the service of those who seek to oppress. Although Sarah and Nigel both love Carrie very much, their love for her interferes with their freedom and general well-being. Family ties largely explain Dana's loyalty to Rufus. From the start, Dana feels like there's something special drawing her to him. She begins to wonder if Rufus could really be her parent. Dana muses, “I didn't really think a blood connection could explain how I was attracted to him twice. That wouldn't be the case. But then, nothing else either” (29). How Dana feels about Rufus must be partly due to their connected bloodlines. Rufus is part of Dana's ancestry, possibly her great-great-grandfather (28). As impossible as it may seem for Dana to believe this, there is no reason that better explains the common thread between them. Day after day, Rufus treats Dana with cruelty. The two share a few pivotal moments and experiences that further bond them, but overall, Dana and Rufus' relationship is not optimal. However, every time Dana is hurt by Rufus, she forgives him. Dana says, “Somehow I always feel like I forgive him for what he does to me. I cannot hate him as I should” (223). For many people, it is difficult to feel hostility toward one's family. Humans crave the feeling of belonging and the approval that comes from those closest to them. Very often, just like Dana, parents and siblings forgive and forget to avoid jeopardizing this bond. Dana regrets saving Rufus after the traumatic sale of some slaves: “I would have liked to leave Rufus lying in the mud. ..To think I saved him so he could do something like that” (223). Rufus hurts many people, with and without Dana's help. Alice, Dana's other half according to Rufus, is manipulated countless times by Rufus and Dana. Because she relies on Alice to be her great-grandmother's mother, Dana helps Rufus coerce Alice into having sex (164). This cruelty of Rufus' actions leaves Dana feeling guilty about her need to continually save him to ensure her own birth and survival. If Dana could have let go of her family connection to Rufus, she might have been able to avoid the pain in the lives of Alice and the other slaves. Oppression through family love is a skill passed down from father to son. After the departure of Tom Weylin, Rufus becomes master of the plantation. Although Rufus has already persuaded his father not to sell Nigel, he does not hesitate to use family ties to punish the love of his life, Alice. Together, Alice and Rufus have two children: Joe and Hagar. After an escape attempt, Alice is brought back to the plantation and beaten physically and emotionally (250). Receiving more than just a lashing, the two.