In class, we are reading this graphic novel called Kindred, written by Octavia Butler and in today’s lesson, we took a more in-depth look at what it symbolized.  I know many always say that you cannot judge a book by its cover but in this case, it seemed as if we should. Here you see a pair of a colored woman hands who appears to might have nail polish on them chained in an infinity symbol chain gripped by a couple of masculine white hands. The first thought that came to me was this is a representation of slavery, and maybe the grip on her hands show the role of whose in charge and this chain represents that perhaps this is an ongoing thing. Furthermore, it is like the hands are coming from darkness but into the light– maybe the individual or someone who is “kin” of them has finally made sense on their purpose of life. We also analyzed the title, KINDRED. We sort of autopsied the body (in this case the title) understanding that the first part KIN means family but the meaning as a whole can both mean relativeness and also being kind.

We also took the time to analyze pages 10-13– the River scene. We learn that some of the main characters are Dana, Rufus, and Kevin. Also seeing that somehow Dana has a power to disappear but where is she going and why? Why is she helping this little boy? Furthermore, we learn that the boy’s mother is hitting on Dana claiming she killed him and then BOOM! Here comes the dad with a gun to Dana’s face so now the story has tensed, and it’s like what is happening now and why? Later on, you learn that Dana is nothing like them and that apparently she is in someplace that she has never been but it feels so real.