kindred pg. 52-107

  In the beginning of chapter 4, Dana takes us back to when she first met Kevin. Dana writes about how they met in an auto parts warehouse when she was trying to make more money. After many conversations and shared stories, Kevin asks her out.

In part 2 of the Fall, Dana is transported back to help Rufus, but this time Kevin comes with her. When they get to Rufus, they discover he has broken a leg. Although Rufus is in a lot of pain from his injury, he becomes more interested in what Kevin and Dana are doing together. Kevin tells Rufus that they are married. In disbelief, Rufus continues to ask questions about their relationship. Dana and Kevin explain to him that it is legal to get married where they are from. Still in shock about this concept, Rufus then asks them where they are from. Dana and Kevin hesitate because they realize they might have to tell him the truth. After a long debate about whether or not Dana and Kevin really are from the future, Rufus decides to believe them even though he does not understand. 

When Rufus’ father comes to pick him up, Dana gets nervous about the part she has to play. The slave that came with Rufus’ father warns Dana that his master is very very mean and that Rufus can be too. After receiving the warning, she observes Rufus and his father. She soon came to realize that Rufus is going to be very similar to his father. She starts to question her ability to help Rufus. She says, “The boy was literally growing up as I watched- growing up because I watched and because I helped to keep him safe. I was the worst possible guardian for him- a black to watch over him in a society that considered blacks subhuman, a woman to watch over him in a society that considered women perennial children. I would have all I could do to look after myself. But I would help him as best I could. And I would try to keep friendship with him, maybe plant a few ideas in his mind that would help both me and the people who would be his slaves in the years to come” (68). 

In parts 4 through 8, Dana is forced into living the life of one of the Weylin’s slaves. On the side of her chores, she starts to teach some of the other slaves how to read. She had to do it in private because the Weylins did not like it when their slaves were educated. One day, Weylin walks in on her reading and he beats her. This sends Dana back into a dizzy spell and passes out, but without Kevin. 

This ending of this chapter made me wonder if Dana will still be as willing to stay and help Rufus even though she is sacrificing her life to do so.