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Alice and Dana in Kindred
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Alice and Dana in Kindred
Stephanie Shen
Summative Statement
Butler comments on how one must take their freedom into their own hands: learning from Alice's futile struggle against Rufus and the institution of slavery, which only force her to the point of suicide, Dana decides that she cannot "adjust" like Alice does. She subsequently takes action to kill Rufus in her own quest for freedom.
Mind vs Body
Dana connects her physical and mental side - she cannot submit to Rufus because that would mean she lost her free will - she kills him before he can violate her
Alice separates physical and mental side - she is given no choice about her body, but she firmly controls her spirit - her suicide is an ultimate display of power, and an ironic way to reclaim her life from slavery's grasp
Alice vs Dana's Response
"She went to him. She adjusted, became a quieter and more subdued person. She didn't kill, but she seemed to die a little" (168)
- Alice and Dana are faced with the same problem - kill Rufus or sacrifice themselves
Alice's suicide is her way of freeing herself from the confines of slavery + her relationship with Rufus
Dana does kill - "I could accept him as my ancestor, my younger brother,my friend, but not as my master, and not as my lover."
- Alice's death is a catalyst for Dana's hatred for Rufus
Some Quotes
"'He'll never let any of us go,' she said. 'The more you give him, the more he wants,' [...] 'I got to go while I still can-before I turn into just what people call me' [...] 'I got to go before I turn into what you are!' she said bitterly" (234-35)
- forces Dana to see that she can't be too optimistic about changing Rufus
- wake-up call of sorts for Dana
Alice as a Foil for Dana
Butler establishes parallels between Alice and Dana
1. Alice is Dana's ancestor
2. Physical similarities
3. Relationships to white men (Rufus and Kevin)
4. Prominent women in Rufus's life
- Clearly establishes how one can serve as a mirror of truth/lesson for the other
- Alice's life is a reflection of what Dana's life might have been like