Hatred In Octavia Butler's Kindred

Something both Dana and Alice would have in common more than just looks and skin color would be the subjects of the Weylin men’s tempers. For example, when Dana is caught by Tom reading in the cookhouse in front of Nigel “didn’t I tell you I didn’t want you reading!” (106) Tom justifies the whipping for disobedience on more than just reading “I treated you good and you pay me back by stealing from me” (106). What’s clear is Tom and Rufus both use guilt when they feel betrayed to lash out in anger, and furthermore to justify it. However, there is a parallel event here, when Dana and Kevin are caught leaving the plantation Rufus stops them at gun point “you were just going to leave…no thanks nothing at all” (185) Rufus feels that same betrayal
and feels necessary to punish for it. Rufus is not evil enough to kill Dana so threatens her life instead, which satisfies his temper and agitated state. Rufus is continually plagued by internal emotions that he struggles with daily. Through Dana’s observations she recognizes that Rufus sees Dana as a companion who he cannot live without.