Together with members of your book group, you’ll be reading Kindred over the next several weeks. Although you're not required to take notes while you read, it would be wise to keep track of important events and characters for your own clarification. You are, however, expected to participate regularly and thoughtfully in an online discussion of FOUR essential questions.
Here's how it works:
Divide your book into three roughly equal sections. You need to have read and blogged about these sections by the due dates below.
There are two kinds of posts in this discussion: comments and responses.
- Comments = direct answers to the essential questions
- Post at least SIX comments altogether: at least TWO for each section of your book.
- You must comment on all of the essential questions over the course of your reading.
- One of your nine comments can be a "free response" post.
- Responses = direct responses to another reader’s comment or response
- Post at at least NINE responses altogether: at least THREE for each section of your book.
- Post your first set of comments and three responses by Monday, March 31 (Blue), & Tuesday, April 1 (Red).
- Post your second set of comments and responses by Monday, April 7 (Red), and Tuesday, April 8 (Blue).
- Post your third set of comments and responses by Monday, April 14 (Blue), and Tuesday, April 15 (Red).
Essential Questions:
- How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American culture? Be specific! (Page references are helpful.)
- How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history?
- How does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey.
- How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)?
Assessment:
To earn maximum credit, post thoughtful responses that are at least a short paragraph in length—and carefully proofread! Do not misspell characters' or authors’ names! Also, be sure to include specific references to the text (either details or short quotations). Page numbers, too, are always helpful.
In order to start posting, click on the "comments" link in the box below.
How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American culture? Be specific!:
ReplyDeleteMy book Kindred illuminates aspects of African-American culture when the main character Dana, who's modern day time is in the 1970's, experiences a weird incident where she travels back in time (Chapter 1) back to the 1800's. At first she had no idea what was going on. Why the people were dressed like they were; the women in long dresses and the men in trousers, and certainly why she was getting called a nigger by a white boy. Dana experiences the horrible things that are done to African Americans in that time period. They were known only as property, not as a human beings. To the white people they were just thought of as another nigger. Dana's first experience (Chapter 2) with an African American getting beaten was traumatizing. Dana then came face to face with a white man. A patroller who hunts down runaway blacks. He tried to chase her, and then rape her. But luckily Dana was able to hit him over the head with a big stick, and knock him out. There are only two words that I have that describes this book so far. No respect. That's all the African Americans get. Nothing else.
-Brooke Matthews R-1
I think it was really interesting how Rufus got really upset when Dana was asking him how he would feel if someone called him white trash. He goes around calling blacks niggers, but yet when someone asks how he would feel if someone called him a mean name, he gets upset and acts as though someone has threatened to hurt him. It is kind of hypocritical.
DeleteIt always makes me feel bad for Dana whenever she's called a nigger...it's such a derogatory name but she can't say anything about it because back then, she really CAN'T say anything. It's also weird how only the men wore pants, when in a society like today where a lot of women wear pants.
DeleteIt really shows within the time period how white people thought themselves to be absolutely superior to the colored. Even starting at such a young age, white children found themselves superior thanks to how their parents raised them and events around them.
DeleteEmily
Delete*were
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ReplyDeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American culture? Be specific! (Page references are helpful.)
ReplyDeleteIn Kindred the main character in the book is named Dana. She is twenty-six and married to a white man named Kevin. They live in the 1970's so that is okay for their time period. However, when Dana is taken back to the early 1800's, when slavery was happening, she is in for quite a surprise as she learns how to live without having rights. Kindred illuminates aspects of African-American culture because Dana realizes how good she has it living in a time that allows African-Americans to be free and have right. When Dana first goes back in time, she later learns, that people thought she was a man because she was wearing pants. This of course was okay for the 1970's but not for the 1800's. Another really interesting part was when Rufus, a white boy living in the 1800's, called Dana a nigger. Dana was really shocked by that, considering that is very offensive now. But back then that was normal. Because Dana is an African-American living in the 1800's is proving to be very hard and very dangerous, and it is showing her how lucky she really is to be living in a time when African-Americans have right and are treated as equals to white people. This book is really good so far and I am really looking forward to reading the rest of it, and seeing how it all plays out.
I am looking forward to see what happens as well, do you think that Dana will save the slaves or change history? What do you think will happen?
DeleteI really don't know what gonna happen. I think that it would be really cool if she could change history and save the slaves. But then wouldn't that change how the rest of history plays out? Although I guess that she has already changed history by going back and helping Rufus. I am also curious as to what will happen to Kevin. Will he have to stay because he can't go back with Dana?
DeleteI would also agree that I do not believe Dana will change history, as that would alter far too much and change their present day vastly. However, I do believe Dana will change over the course of this journey as she goes through her own hero journey.
DeleteI'd like to see her use the knife she brought. Following typical story logic, she won't remember a large piece of steel poking into her leg until she could've used it more effectively earlier.
DeleteThat always does seem to be the nature of a novel- sometimes it's as though the author forgets about the item as well!
DeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American culture? Be specific!
ReplyDeleteIn the Book Kindred Dana who is a black woman from the 1970's, is sent back in time to the 1800's to when slavery was up and running. Kindred illuminate aspects of African-American culture because Dana experiences things in this time that are very different from modern time. Dana see's a woman in a long dress by the river and wonders why she would where that where it could get ruined. Also a white boy called her a "nigger" and she was socked because she was not treated with the respect she was used to. Later she realized that people thought she was a slave. She experiences many rough and dangerous situations that many slaves back than would experience everyday, such as being wiped and coming close to being raped.
2. How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history?
The book Kindred illuminates aspects of African-American history in many ways such as seeing the woman dressed in long dresses is normal for people back than but to Dana it was a little strange and the other people thought it was weird that Dana was wearing pants and one person said she looked like a man. Another thing is that the book tells us all about how black people back then were treated. It talks about how they are slaves and the process of being auctioned off, how they have no rights, and have they have to call their "owners" their "masters."
I agree, slaves were so mistreated back then it must have been so horrible! So what do you think is going to happen further on with Dana's time traveling? :)
DeleteIt's hard to tell so early in the book, but I feel as though Dana will help these slaves and find herself in the process. I also think that Dana will realize how lucky she is to have all these rights in her time, and hopefully learn from that.
DeleteConsidering the fact that some of the slaves are her ancestors and she keeps constantly getting sent back to the past, she'll have to take action somehow
DeleteAnd somehow indeed, my friend. Her options are pretty limited, considering the culture of the folks back then, she wouldn't receive any support from anyone except people in the north or black people. It's rather unfortunate.
DeleteI think it's weird to think that now a days woman wear pants and others think it's normal but back than if you were a woman and you wore pants people thought you were a man….
ReplyDeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history?
ReplyDeleteIn the book Kindred the main character Dana somehow travels back in time to the early 1800's, during the time of slavery. Slavery is a huge part of African-American history because it got them where they are today. The first time that Dana travels back in time she encounters a young boy named Rufus. Dana sees Rufus drowning in a river, so the first thing she does is go and save him. After saving him though she is faced with his mother and father. Rufus's mother is hitting her and his father is pointing a gun at her. It isn't until then that she realizes that she has been taken back in time to the time of slavery. The second time she is brought to the 1800's she must try to escape a plantation, she is eventually caught and beat up by a white man, which shows another big part of African-American history. They weren't liked and it was considered okay to beat them if you didn't like what they were doing. Dana also hears Rufus call her a nigger. Just another thing to add to the list of okay things to say to/about African-Americans in the 1800's.
I completely agree with what you said. It's like African Americans were treated more like pets than they were humans.
DeleteIt's sad to see how the slaves were treated.
DeleteI've heard in a few stories also about slavery that the pigs on the farm would receive better treatment then the slaves.
DeleteI agree with what you said, Karlie. Slaves were treated horribly. As others already said here, pets were treated better than slaves back then.
DeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history?:
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of aspects in this book that illuminates the most important parts of African American history. For instance, African Americans back then got no respect whatsoever. They were called horrible names, and beaten if they said even a single word when their master didn't want them to. In the book when Dana comes to face with Rufus a second time, he calls her a nigger. For him it's just plain English, but to Dana it's an insult. This happened every single day for a typical African American slave. I bet that they even got used to it after awhile. Then poor Dana had to experience the sight of an African American man get whipped till tears bled from his eyes. When reading this, I felt the mans pain, I felt Dana's pain watching and listening to the horrific sounds. But back in the 1800's this was an everyday occurrence. It wasn't a surprise to anyone except Dana. These were the everyday activities for a poor African American slave.
I agree with you Emily and Sophie. Time has definitely changed.
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DeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American culture? So far in the story, the culture is mostly portrayed in the past when African-Americans were still enslaved by the white population. Dana is shocked at first upon arriving back in time when she watches fellow colored people be treated like property, rather than like a human being. An example of this is when Dana comes face-to-face with a patroller who not only beats her for no real reason, but also attempts to rape her just because he feels like it. They were treated so terribly to the point where they weren't even treated like humans. Also, another part of culture other than interaction with others, is the African-American’s language. Rufus’s father, Tom, is practically disgusted by Dana’s ability to speak English with class, as well as her ability to read and right. Tom claims towards the end of the first third of the book that it’d be best that Kevin sell her, and buy a slave with less education as an educated slave is more likely to try to run away.
ReplyDeleteThe culture of African-Americans have changed rabidly, as slavery has been outlawed within America. Though it’s debatable, some would argue that African-Americans are treated equally in present day.
How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history?
It not only shows the larger concepts of slavery such as how the white population would beat the slaves if they found it fit, but the details such as how Dana must refer to Rufus as ‘Master Rufus’ despite the fact that he is much younger and has no real power over her. On top of this, just the raw fact that a man could beat an African-American with no justification, and get away with it. Dana feels the wrath of a white male who attempts to beat her, and in the end is traumatized as it nearly ends in rape. Luckily, she managed to knock the man out using a large stick. With this said, I believe that as the story goes on, we will see more history and culture of African Americans.
I also found it interesting how they portrayed the culture shock that Dana felt when she was in the 1800's. Very well written to show the contrast of the times. - Sydney
DeleteLike how vulgar the children were, how quick to judge everybody was and how it was almost a fight to survive?
DeleteI agree with what you said. Slaves were treated like property back then and that was NOT right since they were obviously people.
DeleteI also thought it was really interesting that Tom was so shocked at Dana's ability to speak and read and write. So much to the point that he told Kevin that he should sell her.
DeleteEducation is definitely something that can set people free. I can see how it'd be hard to have an educated slave. Tom probably feared the fact that she could read and write because it showed that she was no less than him in the education category.
DeleteI completely agree, it's like African Americans were a whole other species compared to white people.
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ReplyDeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history? The story is all about a woman named Dana who goes back in time when African Americans were still slaves. A large part of African American history is about slavery and the cruel realities slaves faced. Rape, violence, and insults were an everyday phenomena in the slave world. Dana gets called a "nigger" multiple times and she has to call Rufus “master”. The story shows how white people thought they were above African Americans and they thought they could treat slaves like dirt.
ReplyDeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)? This book connects to a contemporary audience because of the time travel. Dana is actually living in the 1970’s (which isn’t completely updated but contemporary audiences can connect). The book shows how much African American culture has changed throughout the years. African Americans are no longer slaves, they are no longer looked down upon, and insults and violence are no longer a constant issue for most. Overall, the book helps contemporary readers understand the difficulties of slave life, but also has a modern twist to keep new age people interested (Dana, the modern character).
Again, I love the stark contrast that this book shows! The idea of it was very well thoughtout
ReplyDeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history? To start off, a newly married woman named Dana and her husband are the main characters. It starts with her having a vision, almost like a lucid dream of her by a river. A boy’s in trouble and there’s a woman by the shore running and crying along the shore. Dana swims out to the boy and slowly wades in to shore. He doesn’t seem to be breathing, but she applies mouth to mouth. During that period, the mother is freaking out beating her and telling her that she killed the boy, but Dana manages to save the kid. After all the yelling and screaming, Dana is held at gunpoint, but just in time, she flashes back to reality. Dana thought it seemed so real. Eventually, she calmed down and got back to her senses, but to no avail.She was teleported back into the town, she found the same boy standing in front of a fire. She quickly put the fire out and talked to the boy. He didn’t recognize her at first and was scared, but then remembered her face and calmed down. She had learned that she was stuck in 1815 in the Weylin slave camp, and had figured out on her own that she was summoned in the past whenever that same boy was in danger. As she was walking back, she was stopped by a guard who tried to rape her, though Dana knocked him out. As she was trying to find a place to hide, she found her own ancestors and not long after, was teleported back into the future. More is still to come as she prepares for the travels back.
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DeleteThis is a very good summary of what happened in the first third of the book. I agree with the summary you have written.
DeleteWhile the question states it wasn't supposed to be a recap of the plot, you did a good job recapping it.
DeleteGood recap, but how does this book illuminate aspects of African-American history? The whole situation about slavery? Or how the word "nigger" is used like it's a normal thing?
DeleteI chose to answer the third question for this; here goes!
ReplyDeleteDana was an average black women living in an average home with an average husband and was overall a pretty average person, though she was happy. By definition, the hero journey has a "call to action" where the hero (or heroine in this case) is faced with the decision of the quest or journey. Kindred has a distinct lack of that. Dana is just shoved into this situation that she dives into *bu dum tss* without having any idea what's happening. She doesn't have a choice. Her time traveling ability is as spontaneous as it is mysterious. Dana does, however, try to make the best of the situation despite how difficult the time was for black people. She manages to bring her husband with her and he poses as her owner, and takes the role of the helper or familiar. This book is interesting because the line often associated between the known world and the unknown is repeatedly crossed because she goes back to the future, to her home. As Dana careens down the path to the abyss, she meets many challenges; as is typical with the hero journey. She faces the threat of pain or death for even being alive, she faces the bitter sting of harsh words and she faces the fear of being transported back in time when she finally does make it home. While I haven't finished the book, it follows many of the key parts of the Monomyth.
I never thought of her story like this so far, but reading this makes me really see the hero journey.
DeleteI never thought of her journey as being heroic but after I read this it makes more sense why it is a heroic journey.
DeleteLike Kayleigh and Matthew said I did not think of her life as a hero journey. But i think that it is really cool how you were able to grab that out of the text. It does make sense that her journey could very well be a hero's journey. Good job on taking that out of the text.
Delete1. How does the story illuminate aspects of African- American history? When Dana is sent back to save Rufus, she is immediately confronted by the Weylins due to the fact that she "looked like a man." The second time she returns, Rufus doesn't hesitate to call her a nigger. She has to sneak out of the Weylin house for fear of getting caught. She travels in the woods to avoid encountering anyone. She is grabbed by a white patroller, and gets beaten pretty badly. She gets called nigger a lot, which shows how normal that word was. The patroller ripped her blouse open, indicating that rape was also a common thing to happen. He did not hesitate to hit her. This shows how poorly the slaves were treated back then, and how they were seen as property.
ReplyDelete2. How does the story illuminate on aspects of African- American culture? When Dana is sent back, she sees the outfits are very different- boys in long pants and suits and women in colonial dresses. Also, the way people talked reflected because everyone except Dana spoke using very bad english and lacked proper grammar.
I think it's crazy to think that rape and other abuse was a common everyday thing back than. I could not imagine how the slaves and other African- Americans got through their lives knowing that at any moment they could be abused.
DeleteEspecially that they could be abused for doing something that isn't even considered bad now-a-days, like how she is teaching Nigel how to read.
DeleteI agree with Emily...You can be sent to jail for raping someone nowadays, but back then it was just an almost everyday occurrence. It's horrible!
DeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)?
ReplyDelete1. In the beginning of the story we know that Dana goes back into time when slavery was up and going and that many people called Dana and other colored people "niggers." To Dana this came as a shock and she felt like she was not being respected. In class the other day we read a poem called Incident by Countee Cullen, this poem was about this boy who went to Baltimore was called a "nigger" as well. For this boy this incident carried with him and was the only thing he remembered about his trip. This is an example of contemporary African-American culture because it shows that back when Dana was called a "nigger" and when the boy was called it, they both reacted in a similar way. The word hurt them both and seemed like it touched their core. This shows that even if the time or setting might have been different for these two individuals the word still has the same meaning and can really hurt people.
** Free-response option: Address another issue/episode/or passage in the book that you find significant for any reason.
2. "Carrie rubs Dana’s cheek and tells her that her black skin “doesn’t come off,” no matter what others say." This line really struck me. To me Carrie is telling Dana that even when people say it does not matter that your black, or that they won't treat you any differently, your skin is still black and that it doesn't come off no matter how much you try to forget about it, or how hard you try to be "normal" or "white" your skin is still black.
That line really got to me too... It kind of made me understand what it was like to be looked down upon over something you can't control. Especially in the 1800's, it must have made African Americans feel so hopeless.
DeleteThat line didn't stick to me until now, as it's completely true that the comments that hurt the worse (such as being called a 'nigger') cannot be changed.
DeleteThat line is so powerful that it catches your eye and really makes you think as your reading.
DeleteThat line didn't stick out to me until now. I just kind of skimmed over it, but now that I am reading it again I realize that it is really powerful. It puts things in perspective.
DeleteHow does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey:
ReplyDeleteWell since I haven't finished the book yet, I only know of a few small coming-of-age moments that the main character has had. For example, ever since Dana has first experienced time travel her vision of the world opened immensely. She got the front row seat of a place that people from her time will never get to experience. Dana found out how lucky she really is. How much has changed, and changed her life for the better. As the book progresses she learns more and more about how much she should really be fortunate of. Ever since she learned what a slave really goes through every day by being whipped by the Master; it changed her life. Now she knows more about what her ancestors went through to survive, and carry out the generation of strong, independent African Americans.
How does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey.
ReplyDeleteWell considering I am only a little more than half way through this book it will be a little difficult to answer this. However, what Dana has experienced so far is insane and she has definitely learned and experienced a lot. In the very beginning the first time she travels back to the past she encounters Rufus drowning in a river and her first instinct is to save him. But then Rufus's parents get angry with her for doing that and she doesn't know why; then she is back in her home in 1976. The next time she goes she sees Rufus trying to light the drapes on fire and her instinct is to tell him not to do that because it is dangerous. Rufus just kind of looks at Dana like he isn't going to listen to her and again she doesn't know why. Then he calls her a nigger. And everything clicks, she figures out that she is in the time of slavery. Because Dana is an African-American fear sets in. Wouldn't it for you? When she ends up at home again she tells her husband what is going on and he believes her, which couldn't be easy. On her third trip her husband, Kevin, goes with her. Because Kevin is white he has to pretend to be her owner and they can't tell anyone that they are married. Kevin tells Dana one day that he wants to go West if they are going to stay so that they can see everything developing. Dana tells him that they can't; in the West they are doing to Indians what they are doing to blacks in the South. She doesn't want to go see that happen to the Indians when she can stay and help people like her, people who could be her ancestors. That seems pretty brave to me. Another really brave thing that Dana does while she is there is teach Nigel how to read and write. Back then whites were threatened by slaves who could read and/or write because there was a potential that they could write themselves a pass or a freedom paper. Even though it was absolutely against the law she did it because she knew that she could do it. Give this boy something really special in this horrible time. Now I am at the part when she goes back a fourth time and pretty much everyone remembers her, fondly. They didn't hate her. Dana helped them. She played slave, cooked food, taught Nigel how to read and write and more. How could they not like her? That is heroism to me. Someone who does what they think is right to help someone else, not just themselves. Someone who thinks of the greater good. Dana has definitely come-of-age so far in the book Kindred. She has grown more aware of who she is and how lucky she is to live in the time that she does.
I thought it was so great when she taught Nigel how to read and write. I also thought it was good when she stopped Isaac from killing Rufus (even though Rufus has never been nice to her). It really shows that Dana is a good person - Sydney
DeleteI also loved that Dana took the risk to try and teach Nigel how to read. It probably changed his life for the better.
DeleteI also feel as though Dana is a hero for many reasons but they way she would risk her life or risk getting hurt just to teach Nigel to read. Seeing her put everything on the line to help another person definitely makes her a hero in my book, especially knowing that teaching someone to read can change and help their life immensely.
DeleteI hope that we see later on within the novel if Nigel's life is changed or not by the little lessons Dana teaches him.
DeleteI agree Taylor, that would be really cool. To see if what Dana risked ended up making a huge difference in the future.
Delete1. How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American culture? Be specific! (Page references are helpful.)
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the book, Dana travels back in time to the 1800’s. When she arrives she sees Rufus drowning in a lake; so she saves him. His mother gets very angry with Dana and Dana gets in trouble for saving the boy just because she is black. To me, this scene shows how much African Americans were looked down upon in the 1800’s. His mom would rather let Rufus drown than be saved by a black person. If that happened now, Dana would be praised for saving the boy’s life. It just shows you how much things have changed. African American culture is illuminated by this part of the book because it really puts the hatred white people had for black people in perspective.
2. How does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey.
Dana has experienced coming of age journey because she has learned to appreciate her life a lot more. Actually living like a slave in the 1800’s is a terrible experience that she has to go through. Dana keeps her humanity and compassion though, she even teaches Nigel how to read. That was a pretty big deal for a slave back then. She appreciates her life more because she has to see first hand how horribly African Americans were treated back in the 1800’s.
1.How does the book illuminate African American history?
ReplyDeleteIt shows how African americans were treated back in that time by whites. Like how they were slaves and treated badly and not cared for what so ever. When Dana went back in time for the first time and saved Rufus from drowning his nothing thought she was killing him instead of saving him like she actually was.
2. To be a part of African American culture wasn't very good back in the 1800's because they were treated poorly because of the color of their skin, for example Dana is living in a time (1976) when African Americans are free and treated normal until she travels back in time and experiences what it was like back in the 1800's.
I plan to save the last two questions for the end of the book, so that I'll have finished it and be able to completely articulate my response after finishing the entire novel. So these will be two free responses!
ReplyDeleteFree Response: Education for Slaves
As I mentioned in one of my comments to someone's comment (I forget who) education in the novel as well as actual time period in history as well as now-a-days is a gift to have. It feels unreal to know that these people are living in the United States in a time where schooling isn't offered (or enforced) in the manner that is it today. The literacy rate must be low at that given time, and the quality of the reading executed by those who considered themselves literate at the time would not be a proficient skill compared to the literacy quality within the United States in 2014. It feels so strange that Dana is whipped for teaching Nigel to how read, as it's something that starts at such a young age here. To be punished for sharing knowledge only states one thing about it- knowledge is powerful. The more people know, the better. So here's my question for you guys- would you educate your slave?
To answer your question:
DeleteIn that time period no. It sounds really bad of me but, would you educate someone you paid for who could potentially use that education to run away? All of what I am saying sounds terrible and I know that. But in the 1800's during slavery I wouldn't have risked educating my slave if there was a chance they could use that against me. Sorry, I know this sounds bad.
To answer your question:
DeleteI would educate my slave. I feel that I would have them properly educated in order to have a conversation and so if I wanted them to run to get me a book or something, they could read the covers of the book to know which one. Given, I wouldn't whip my slaves either.
I agree with Kayleigh. If I were set back in that time period I wouldn't treat slaves like my pet, I would treat them like I would any human being.
DeleteIf you were a slave owner, would you educate your slaves? To answer this question, you have to put it all in a matter of perspective. Would you not educate a slave you own so they wouldn't know any better, or would you educate them and bet on them staying out of respect that you would be a good master? From my point of view, if I was a slave owner, I couldn't let them just go free, because I don't know if they have anywhere to go. I believe that it would be nice to educate them, but then the slaves would realize how low paid and how much more unfair it is. Take a look and Solomon Northrop from 12 Years a Slave. He came into slavery (Though he shouldn't have.) an educated man. Solomon was brilliant minded and cunning enough to devise an escape plan. If slaves were as educated as him, they might all think that way. Another example would be Dana from Kindred. Unlike other slaves, she had the privilege of being educated from the 1970's. With having the cunning and quick decision making to fight back, she wasn't afraid of the slave owners. To sum it all up, no, if I were put in a slave owner's shoes, I would not educate my slaves.
DeleteBecause I can't really answer the last question until the end of the book I am going to do a free response.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we learned about slavery and the Civil War last year, I find that I am learning a lot more about slavery through this book. One example being that some African-Americans could be born into freedom. Call me crazy but I never knew that. Another thing that I have learned through reading this book is that white people were really threatened by slaves that could read and/or write. Some were threatened enough that they would sell them rather than keep them around. For example: in the book Tom tells Kevin that he should sell Dana because she could read and write. To him that was threatening. A third thing that I am learning through this book is slaves weren't allowed to be legally married. I know it's a weird thing to be surprised about, but I was surprised. The idea that the could do a ceremony and everything but it would never actually be legal surprises me. I mean it makes sense because the slaves were treated as property, however, I still think it should have been a legal marriage. One that actually counts.
To learn even more about slavery, I strongly encourage you to watch 12 Years a Slave. It addresses all of these features and more.
DeleteGoing back on the question: "How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history?"
ReplyDeleteI feel as we go farther into the book, it becomes easier to understand and grasp concepts of African-American history. One of is just simply the fact that Isaac and Alice were so keen to try and run away, despite the fact that both of them knew the risks and the deadly consequences that they'd face if they were caught. The idea that they'd sacrifice their lives is so brave. Though I say it now, I do believe I'd do the same thing in their position (Run away, rather than live in a Hell on Earth) It really illuminates just how absolutely terrible life must have been for them if losing their life was better than being a slave.
I think it is amazing what some people will risk just to be happy ( or happier) I do agree with though, If I was in their position I might try to run away to a better place as well.
Delete3.How does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey.
ReplyDeleteHow I see Dana come of age throughout this story is parts like when she starts learning about the history of her people and how Rufus is her ancestor. She realizes what her ancestors had to go thru and how there life was. So it makes her think about the question "Would I even be alive if it were not for these people in the past?" the more I read into the story the more I think of how much does she really think about that other than just her "heroic journey" she is on.
Free response: I believe if the "masters" would have given the slaves something to use to get educated it would help them understand how to do things like read a letter or write there name. Although they would have to teach themselves I believe it would have helped them a lot. I have watched movies where a master ask a slave to read something and they can't so they beat them for it for absolutely no reason at all.
ReplyDeleteIt was truly a terrible time, and not having the ability to read put slaves at a disadvantage. Even writing your own name has a certain effect that we take for granted.
Delete4.How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)?
ReplyDeleteHow the story connects to African-American culture is like when Dana realizes Rufus is her ancestor and learns the history of African-Americans. Also when she finds out where she is and it is in the south so she realizes how the south was then. How it affects life as they know it now is like the fact that Barack Obama is the first African-American in the white house, notice how it is called the white house it seems kind of racist now that everything from that time has changed. The story also relates to a poem called "The House Slave" it shows their feelings and expressions for the friends and family. The movie 12 years a slave also relates to this story on how African-American culture has changed and the history/reputation the whites had in that time.
Good connections, Matthew! Have you seen 12 Years a Slave? I really encourage you to watch it for extra credit. I also appreciate your remark about the name of the president's residence: The White House. It's white, of course, but that word has a charged resonance in our history. I wouldn't mind seeing the name changed before long. How likely is that, I wonder?
DeleteFor yet another entry, I have chosen to answer the first question.
ReplyDeleteThe teleportation aspect of the book has an effect on the book that, believe it or not, could be a reference to be similar to what the slaves may have felt. Dana is transported back from the 1800's when she is afraid. This may be a reference to the alternate world almost that is brought on by fear. Like the rabbit crossing the road, every little thing becomes scary. I also think that this book is riddled mit other cultural references, such as: the desire of all of the children to read, the chatter and gossip that goes around at the cook-house and the assisting in the attempts to escape like Dana did. I think that it was interesting when Thomas Weylin started to accept the Dana phenomenon, and even let her alone in a room with his son. She did prove herself on many occasions to be a good caretaker for Rufus, but it is strange for a slave owner to trust a black women alone in any room, especially one with his son in it.
I like how you said "Like the rabbit crossing the road." good comparison.
DeleteI enjoy you're thought of the "Alternate World" Idea. It intrigues me in a way that makes me think there is a deeper meaning to this book
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DeleteWow I never thought of the book like that, I understand where you are coming from. I also liked your comparison "Like the rabbit crossing the road." Good thought, it made me think deeper.
Delete1. How does the story illuminate aspects on African- American culture? When Dana is yet again sent back, unaware of where Kevin is, it is many years later. Rufus had raped Alice and her husband was beating him up. When Dana tells them to leave, Isaac seems like he has a lot of anger built up towards Rufus and didn't want to stop hurting him until he was dead. This was most likely because the slaves were holding in anger and hatred from the poor way that they were treated. It didn't seem like Isaac was really mad that Rufus had raped his wife, but more like he was a human punching bag. When Dana offers to write him a pass, he seems almost afraid to accept it. When Dana goes back to find Thomas Weylin, he seems very afraid due to her vanishing and isn't as mean to her as usual.
ReplyDelete2. How does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Dana seems to have really taken up the part of the hero in this section. After she is brought to the present, she immediately packs to prepare to return. She knows that even though Kevin is white, he still isn't used to the way the people treated the blacks. She knows she has to go rescue him.
I agree, the slaves really didn't have any way to release their pent up anger and emotions. At least they had the ability (if their owners were nice) to get married.
DeleteI think it's funny that to this day people are still not having full access to 'free love'. Back then, slaves couldn't have a marriage if their owners didn't approve, even if it's something so harmless.
DeleteFor the first section of the book, I find the passage about when Dana saves Rufus from drowning in the river in the beginning certainly significant to me. My reasoning behind this is because if she didn't, what might have happened to her if he died? Would Dana be stuck in the past forever, or was she somehow linked to Rufus through body/mind of some sort. In conclusion, that is why I think that particular passage is significant.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that that one moment when Dana saves Rufus from drowning is important, because if she didn't maybe Dana would not be alive or the person she was in the present time because Rufus is her ancestor. Also your right maybe she would have been stuck in the past forever.
DeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)? I believe that this connects to current events in a big way. The book takes current events, like how Dana's usual lifestyle is, and connects them to past events, like how Dana sees the world around her in the 1800's. In my opinion, this connects both African culture and modern culture in a big way.
ReplyDeleteDana experiences a coming-of-age "hero journey." In the beginning, she's happily living with Kevin. When she's first brought back in time, she helps Rufus out of the river, but doesn't realize that she's back in the 1800's when slaves were still around. Rufus's mother beats her because Dana is an african-american. The second time she goes back in time is when Rufus's drapes catch on fire. Rufus tells her that if his father sees Dana, he'll make her into a slave. In that trip back in time, Dana sees a slave get beaten up against a tree by some white men. She realizes how bad slaves had it back then. The third time she goes back, Kevin goes with her. She learns that African-americans cannot marry white men, and has to pretend that Kevin is her master. Throughout her journey, she learns how bad slaves had it, and even helps some of them, as well as Rufus. She even takes a big risk in teaching Nigel how to read. African-american people back then were not supposed to learn how to read, and could even be killed if they knew how to, yet Dana still teaches Nigel.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me wonder if we, (even though not African-American) were to go through such an experience, how we'd all individually react. I know for a fact that Dana's bravery would be next to impossible to mimic.
DeleteI agree Brooke! That is really selfish. I mean it's not the slaves fault that you didn't think you needed to learn because you were white and you had slaves to do your work for you.
DeleteHow does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey.
ReplyDelete1. I think that Dana experiences a coming-of-age “hero journey” because she is taken back to the 1800's when slavery was going on, and she doesn't just survive, learn about life back then, and live in that world for periods of time, no, Dana helps the slaves survive, teaches them how to read/write, and even helps Rufus live no matter how mean or rude he was to her. I think that Dana is a hero to many of the slaves because if she was not there to tend to them or teach them how to read than maybe they would not have survived as long as they did. I also think she is a hero because she takes risks and puts her life on the line just to teach Nigel how to read.
** Free-response option: Address another issue/episode/or passage in the book that you find significant for any reason.
ReplyDelete1. In Kindred, Rufus develops infatuation for Dana, he says that he does not want her to leave him and he says that he sold Sam because he wanted Dana. In 12 Years a Slave, this happens as well, Epps seems to have feeling for Patsey. He raped her, seemed to give her some special treatment, and when he had to whip her for leaving to get soap, he couldn't do it and made Solomon whip her instead. I think It's weird to think that even though these women are slaves, their "owners" property, and are treated terrible, their "owners" somehow develop feelings for them.
Don't forget that Mistress Shaw also slept with her master, and got many privileges out of the sick process. It seemed to me that she almost wanted to sleep with her master. In the movie, because she did, she was put in a position of power to have people work for her.
DeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)?:
ReplyDeleteEven though both time periods in the book are set into a lot later dates than our current one, I think that the simple things like a book can bring a lot of history throughout time. Since both Dana and Kevin are writers, they each give a meaning of expression no matter what they are writing. It can be passed down through so many years, and possibly change someones life. However, when Dana was transported back to the 1800's it wasn't good if a slave knew how to read or write. But Dana knew she had to change that. Whenever she got the chance, she tried to teach Nigel or whoever a few words, because you just don't really know how those words can effect your life in anyway. Now in our current time it's a hobby for someone to read and write, and they enjoy it! We do it for pleasure. Just think...If our ancestors didn't know how to read or write...where would that leave us?
You are totally right! Where would we be is our ancestors couldn't read or write?
DeleteHow does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey. I believe that there are many situations in the book that Dana shows coming of age or more fittingly, maturity. All of these examples show when she is in the past. The reasoning behind this is because though sometimes Dana gets violent, like with the guard, she has to to protect herself, and Rufus. If I were in Dana's shoes, I would act the same way,because I wouldn't have a choice. Stuck in the past, you would have to take everything seriously, because you don't know how you got there, or what the danger level is. In conclusion, that is how I think the main character shows examples of coming-of-age in the book.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how to answer this question, but I will try my best.
ReplyDeleteThe story connects to contemporary African-American culture, because it shows how issues and songs have changed since then. Back then, all African-Americans were slaves unless they were free, and even then they might have been kidnapped and made into a slave. Now, slavery does not exist. Dana was a free woman in the 1970s, but then was almost immediately a slave when she traveled back in time.
Songs have also changed, but at the same time stayed the same. Slaves used to sing in the fields while they picked cotton or did other chores, and it was very soulful music, usually about how things would get better or about God. They still have very soulful music today, but it has lots of different sounds like blues or jazz.
How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)?
ReplyDeleteThis story connects to African-American culture because it is essentially created it. I mean, without slavery would African-Americans be the same? No. Not to mention we wouldn't have had the Civil War. Without slavery we wouldn't have as much (if any) racism towards black people. I mean there would obviously be some because we are human and that's just how we live. It's kind of sad that I can't imagine a world without slavery in history. Where would we be? Not just African-Americans but also white people.
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ReplyDeleteHow does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey.
ReplyDeleteDana’s hero journey begins with her call back to the 1800’s due to the fact that Rufus, at a very young age, was in need of saving from the murky waters of a river. From the start, Dana knew she’d return back to this point in history, even though she doesn’t particularly want to go back. Her heroic characteristic of bravery had been there from the start, as she saved Rufus from drowning. Another moment in the story where she showed her bravery was when she taught Nigel how to read, despite the fact that she knew if caught a whipping would be in her future. Not only is she brave, but she has a voice and isn’t afraid to use it. She constantly sets Rufus in place, making it extremely clear she isn’t just an African-American, but human. She is not property and will not be treated like one. I believe at the end of this journey, she may have returned home slightly hurt, but still much more knowledgable and strong.
Also, a follow up question, do you believe Dana's murder of Rufus is a justified act?
I would say her killing Rufus was a justified act. I mean we know from the rest of the book that he is unpredictable. So if he was laying next to her with his arm around her then there is really no telling what is next. He could have done a few different things, and most of them would have been really bad. Dana was just protecting herself.
DeleteHow does the main character in the book experience a coming-of-age “hero journey”? Be specific by describing particular stages in this journey.
ReplyDeleteI am going to re-answer this question now that I have finished the book and I know the whole story. I would have to say Dana's weakest point was when she cut her own wrists. She hit a real low point during that part of the story, in which she was ready to hurt herself or possibly kill herself. From that point on she tried to do whatever she could to make things better for the people around her. Including stab Rufus. She did that because she thought it would make things better for the slaves that were on the plantation. She did pay for it though, she lost her arm on her last trip back. Dana's hero journey really starts within the first few pages of the book when she is first called back t save Rufus from drowning. She is a hero from that point on; she saved Rufus and others on various occasions. But her weakest point was definitely when she cut her wrists. Even though that was a really terrible thing to do can you blame her? I mean with all that is going on I might want to get away, but there is no way that is the answer.
How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)?
ReplyDeleteThis story illuminates racism that is sadly still present today as many (typically older) members of society still hold a prejudice against those from other races, in particular African-Americans. The biased idea that African-Americans (typically male) are solely criminals within society still holds to this day. Or, the fact that calling someone of the African-American race a (insert the n word here) is still extremely not acceptable, but at the same time is used as a dear of practically endearment between African-American brethren. It’s almost as if they use it, so white people cannot use it as a derogatory term and it’s more of a joke now.
I can see why you would say that. I don't believe that racism will ever be gone, but the bulk of it has been mostly removed from society. There will always be people who disapprove of other races, but with strong African American influences like our President, we will never have issues like slavery again.
DeleteHow does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) connect to contemporary African-American culture (i.e., current events, issues, films, songs, etc.)?
ReplyDeleteThis has been said a lot, but one of the biggest problems of African American contemporary society is still racism. Both in the past and present, racism is a commonly occurring thing. It's become less harsh in present times, but it still happens. All throughout Kindred, Dana and all the other slaves are called "Niggers". This happens in present times, only the word isn't as acceptable to use in our time period. For example, Clivan Bundy and the coach of the Clippers just recently had issues with racism and treating black people just like thee slave owners. In conclusion, that is how the story connects to comtemporary African American culture.