What are our key terms and concepts?
Here are a few of the key terms and concepts Kindred explores:
Science fiction: SF does not have a fixed definition. It has been defined as a combination of "romance, science, and prophecy (Hugo Gernsback), 'realistic speculation about future events' (Robert Heinlein), and a genre based on an imagined alternative to the reader's environments (Darko Suvin). It has been called a form of fantastic fiction and an historical literature" (David Seed's A Very Short Introduction: Science Fiction). The definition of SF truly depends on the time period it is coming from.
Speculative fiction: similar to SF, speculative fiction does not necessarily have a fixed definition either. However, the best way it can be identified is as an umbrella term that encompasses a multitude of genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, satire, etc.
Afrofuturism: this is a part of the science fiction and speculative fiction genre, however, through the lens of African diaspora. It is a genre that explores African American pasts through futuristic narratives, or in the case of Kindred the time travel element of science fiction to explore slavery during the 1800s.
Slave narrative: although Kindred is not an autobiographical slave narrative such as those by Frederick Douglass or Olaudah Equiano, it resonates with what these authors discussed about slavery, violence and oppression in the 19th century. It is important to think about how Kindred adopts the slave narrative into the story with a science fiction twist. Why is this significant to our readings?
Graphic novel: According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a "graphic novel" is defined as: a full-length (esp. science fiction or fantasy) story published as a book in comic-strip format. Graphic novels provide us with a new way to read a text. It is visual story-telling. Images can provide us with powerful readings. Kindred in particular, grapples with difficult issues of racism, kinship, slavery and violence. This graphic novel adaptation extends beyond the actual novel through visual representations that capture this Afrofuturistic adventure.
