Themes
What themes is shown by Dana's willingness to save Rufus?
Familial love and obligation.
what does the chapter's title refer to?
The fight between Issac and Rufus.
Who is Dana's husband?
Kevin Franklin.
what happens between Issac and Rufus at the beginning of the chapter's main conflict?
Iassac attacks Rufus after Rufus continues to pursue Alice.
Why is Dana and Kevin's interracial marriage a challange?
Because of the racist attitudes and social expectations of the antebellum South.
Why did Rufus refuse to send Dana's letters?
He did not want Kevin to come and take Dana North with him.
Who is Alice's husband?
Issac Jackson.
She wants to prevent Rufus from being killed because his survival is necessary for her own existence.
How does Dana and Kevin's marriage challenge nineteenth-century racial attitudes?
Their marriage is based on mutual respect, but Dana's experience in the past reveals how racism and slavery deny people the freedom and choice in a relationship.
Who betrated Dana by telling Weylin about her attempted escape?
Liza, the cleaning lady.
How does Rufus's behavior reveal the influences of his father's values?
His increasing reflects the racist attitudes and sense of authority that Tom Weiyln represents.
What does Danna help Alice and Issac do?
She helps them escape after the confrontation.
How does Rufus and Dana's relationship show that power can corrupt someone who was not always cruel?
Rufus's growing independence and status as a white slaveholder lead him to expect control over Dana.
What did Dana advise Rufus to learn from his father?
To keep his promises faithfully, regardless of whether he was dealing with black or white people.
How does Rufus demonstrait his sense of entitlment towards Alice?
He continually pursues her despite her rejections, acting as though his desires should take priority over hers.
How does Kevins return to the plantation change Dana's situation?
Dana no longer has to face the dangers of the past alone.
What contradiction does Butler reveal through Rufus's relationship with Alice?
Rufus may claim to love Alice, but his desire to control her shows that his affection does not excuse coercion or abuse.
Why is Dana unable to return to the present to escape Weylin's beating?
She realizes that although Weylin is hurting her, she does not believe he intends to kill her, which is what triggers her time travel.
Why is Dana's relationship with Rufus morally complicated?
Rufus is her ancestor, so she must help preserve his life even though she opposes his behavior and the power he exercises.
what larger conflict does Dana face while helping Rufus?
She must protect her ancestor to preserve her family line while still confronting his abusive behavior and the injustice of slavery.