You wouldn't think marriage would be a big deal in Kindred, since interracial marriage wasn't even legal in much of the U.S. until the mid-1900s. But that's exactly why marriage plays such a huge role in this book, especially when you consider that Dana is married to a white man and they must hide their marriage when they travel back in time. Even in the book's present-day setting of 1976, interracial marriage makes some people uncomfortable. But it's a whole different ballgame back in 1815 Maryland, where the mention of interracial marriage could get you thrown in jail—or worse.
Questions About Marriage
- How does Rufus respond when Dana says she's married to Kevin? Why?
- Do you believe Rufus when he says he'd marry Alice Greenwood if he could? Why or why not?
- How do Kevin and Dana's families react to their engagement? What does it tell us about "modern" attitudes toward race?
- How does Kevin get Dana to marry him? What's her initial reaction and why?
Chew on This
Kindred shows us that the word "marriage" isn't some timeless, unchanging thing. Its definition has changed in many ways over the centuries and it has meant different things at different times.
Kindred shows us that marriage is about two human beings who love each other and, well, nothing else.