Reading Response (10.30)

Email: jp7228@nyu.edu

 

Kindred

In Octavia E. Butler’s novel Kindred, Dana’s six journeys through time and space are more than simple “trips” or “adventures”. They deeply explore a historical period, culture, and societal backdrop. These journeys vividly depict race, power, enslavement, freedom, and the intricate relationships between individuals. Through time travel, Dana meets up with her ancestor, Rufus. The relationship between Rufus and Dana is more than just an ancestor-descendant relationship; their relationship is complex, multifaceted, and constantly evolving with every situation Dana confronts during her trips. Each time Dana returns to the past, she witnesses Rufus’s growth, transformation, and struggles from different perspectives. This change is not just a personal transformation of Rufus but a microcosm of the entire society under the shadow of slavery. However, this transformation isn’t a choice of his own but an impact on the institution of slavery. In a way, it mirrors the distortion and destruction of humanity by slavery.

 

Personally, I was not supposed to have any opinion on this historic error. When reading this novel, I am essentially an external observer, and my understanding of this period comes solely from literary works and fragmented historical knowledge. I haven’t truly experienced that era, nor have I deeply studied that history. Yet, precisely because of this, I am more able to view this history objectively and learn from it. This is also a point I wish to analyze from the literary aspect of this novel.

 

Butler uses the structure of a science fiction novel to narrate a historical tale from the era of slavery, challenging traditional narrative techniques and allowing readers to consider a historical trauma from a fresh perspective. Narrated from Dana’s first-person viewpoint, it intensifies my visceral understanding of the traumatic nature of slavery, especially given my unfamiliarity with this historical context. Furthermore, the novel is imbued with powerful metaphors. The transformation in Rufus’s thoughts, actions, and character from the early to later stages symbolizes the profound impact of the slave system on people of that era.

 

Unpayable Debt

In her analysis of the intricate relationship between Dana and Rufus in Kindred, Ferreira da Silva offers a nuanced understanding of the term “debt.” She posits, “So, yes, Dana owns (ethically) a debt, which is not (economically) hers to pay.” (Ferreira da Silva, pp. 86). This statement illuminates her interpretation of “debt” beyond its conventional financial connotation. How do we understand “debt” in general? Is it only economically relevant? While many associate debt strictly with monetary obligations, Ferreira da Silva elucidates that debt can also encompass ethical dimensions, as exemplified by Dana’s situation.

 

Ferreira da Silva’s conceptualization of “debt” on ethical grounds bears resemblance to certain East Asian social paradigms. The Chinese term “人情世故” (rén qíng shì gù, colloquially understood as the principles and wisdom of human interaction or social aptitude, has been translated in some English contexts as “the ways of the World.”) Traditionally, in Chinese lexicons, this term is lauded, implying that an individual well-versed in “rén qíng shì gù” navigates social contexts with ease, akin to a duck taking to water. However, with the unique socio-cultural shifts in China, coupled with my personal interpretation, I posit that the term’s pejorative implications now overshadow its commendatory essence. To illustrate, consider the simple proposition: “If you do me a favor, I’ll treat you to a meal.” This escalates to more intricate scenarios such as, “I require assistance in achieving specific objectives in a political milieu; hence, I bestow gifts (which are valuable) or money on a politician who can facilitate this.” What began as a descriptor of social interaction methods has, in many under-the-table contexts, evolved to denote bribery, appeasement, flattery, and reliance on connections. Given my inherent disposition, I often find myself perceived as someone oblivious to “rén qíng shì gù.” This stems from an early realization that seeking favors is like incurring a debt, which invariably demands repayment. This cyclical nature of favor-seeking fosters a perpetuating loop, resembling an unpayable debt.