Octavia E. Butler's novel Kindred, portrays the theme of power in relationships through the theme of gender and the roles of blacks vs. whites. In the novel, Dana Franklin often time traveled back to a slave plantation in the 1800’s. While on the plantation, Dana pretends to be the slave of her white husband Kevin. During her time, Dana uncovered the true themes of power in relationships. From being told to do tasks, and that she should not be reading as a woman, to being beaten for simply being black, Dana witnessed the way people were treated back then based on their status, and how to prove herself worthy to others. Throughout the novel, the recurring themes of gender and race form the display of power within the characters. Octavia E. Butler …show more content…
For example, when Dana first saved Rufus, he was initially confused by her and her presence. As Rufus grew older, he expressed to Dana how he viewed her as a man due to her modern day clothing. As Rufus continues to grow older, he exerts his power over Dana as a male, and acts upon this by forming rules, and expectations of her. On the other hand, Margret Weylins view of power based on race, is also shown in the way she acts towards Dana. For example, Margret expresses her dislike towards Dana, in the way she directs her. Because of her higher social status through her race and income levels, Margret views herself as having a hold of power over Dana despite her being the same gender. However, Margaret's husband Tom Weylin, has a strong power hold over Dana. Because of him being a white, wealthy man and Dana being a black woman, Tom is able to control her in more ways than one. The control Tom has over Dana, is often used as a threat of violence towards her. Dana learns to fear him, and knows that if she messes up she has a punishment to face from someone who is above her due to her