Kindred

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1979

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Before You Read

Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 2

Chapters 3-4

Chapter 5-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Quiz

Essay Topics

Dana’s story is told in first person. How would the story change if it had been told in third person? Would its effect still be the same?

What is the significance of the chapter titles? Why do you think Butler chose to title them this way? What do they reveal about the novel’s message?

Consider the relationships between Dana/Rufus, Dana/Kevin, Rufus/Alice, Alice/Isaac, Nigel/Carrie, and Tom/Margaret. How does the novel depict love? How does it complicate or reinforce traditional depictions of love?