What is Rufus in Kindred?

What is Rufus in Kindred?

Rufus Weylin is a significant character in Octavia Butler’s novel "Kindred". He is the son of Tom Weylin, a cruel and abusive slave owner, and the father of Dana’s ancestors. Throughout the novel, Rufus’s character undergoes significant changes, reflecting the complexities of slavery and the relationships between slaves and their owners.

Rufus’s Early Years

Rufus is first introduced as a 12-year-old boy who has fallen from a tree and broken his leg. He is a spoiled and entitled child who is used to getting his way. As the novel progresses, Rufus’s character evolves, and he becomes increasingly cruel and abusive towards those around him.

Rufus’s Relationship with Dana

Dana, the protagonist of the novel, has a complex and tumultuous relationship with Rufus. As a time-traveler, Dana is sent back to the 19th century to meet Rufus, who is her ancestor. Rufus is initially fascinated by Dana and sees her as a novelty, but as the novel progresses, he becomes increasingly possessive and controlling.

Rufus’s Abuse of Power

As Rufus grows older, he becomes increasingly cruel and abusive towards those around him. He uses his power and privilege to exploit and manipulate others, including his slaves and his family members. Rufus’s abuse of power is a reflection of the systemic oppression and violence that was perpetuated during the era of slavery.

Rufus’s Connection to Dana

Despite Rufus’s cruel and abusive behavior, Dana is drawn to him and feels a deep connection to him. This connection is rooted in their shared ancestry and the fact that Rufus is Dana’s ancestor. Throughout the novel, Dana struggles with her feelings towards Rufus, torn between her desire to help him and her disgust at his behavior.

Rufus’s Significance in the Novel

Rufus’s character serves as a symbol of the complexities of slavery and the relationships between slaves and their owners. He represents the power dynamics that were perpetuated during the era of slavery, as well as the ways in which slaves were forced to navigate and resist these dynamics.

Rufus’s Evolution

Throughout the novel, Rufus’s character undergoes significant changes, reflecting the complexities of slavery and the relationships between slaves and their owners. He begins as a spoiled and entitled child, but as the novel progresses, he becomes increasingly cruel and abusive. Ultimately, Rufus’s character serves as a reminder of the ways in which slavery perpetuated violence and oppression.

Conclusion

Rufus is a complex and multifaceted character in Octavia Butler’s novel "Kindred". His character serves as a symbol of the complexities of slavery and the relationships between slaves and their owners. Through his character, Butler highlights the ways in which slavery perpetuated violence and oppression, as well as the ways in which slaves were forced to navigate and resist these dynamics.

Key Points:

• Rufus is the son of Tom Weylin, a cruel and abusive slave owner.
• Rufus is the father of Dana’s ancestors.
• Rufus’s character undergoes significant changes throughout the novel.
• Rufus represents the power dynamics that were perpetuated during the era of slavery.
• Rufus’s character serves as a symbol of the complexities of slavery and the relationships between slaves and their owners.

Table: Rufus’s Character Evolution

Note: The table above highlights Rufus’s character evolution throughout the novel. The symbols indicate the presence or absence of certain character traits at different points in the novel.