DESTRUCTIVE SINGLE-MINDED LOVE

                As we continue reading the story, Kindred, by Octavia Butler, we learn more about the character named Rufus.  Rufus is growing up and becoming more of a manipulator.  He is basically becoming more like his father.  He claims to love a free black woman named Alice who does not share the same feelings.  Rufus then threatens and forces himself on her or she will be sold or brutally hurt. 

                When it comes to his “friend” Dana, Rufus uses her husband, Kevin against her.  Dana desperately wants to get back to Kevin but Rufus will not let her.  He even goes as far as to threatening her life if she would try to leave.   Dana is forced to help Rufus do horrible things.  He even has her help him rape Alice. 

                I don’t know how Rufus can say he loves Alice or call Dana his friend.  Loving someone means you want them to be happy.  Friendship is supposed to consist of loyalty, understanding and love.  Rufus does not show any of these qualities.  In the end Rufus got what he deserved.  I strongly agree with the choices these women made to survive.  If they hadn’t done what they did eventually Rufus could have killed them.  Alice would have lived a lifetime of abuse and misery and Dana would have never seen Kevin again.