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How Does Octavia Butler Use Situational Irony In Kindred

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In the novel Kindred, there are many examples of situational irony. Specifically in Chapter 5, when Dana attempts to help Rufus and save him from danger, but then that backfires on her and Rufus begins to threaten her. Dana tries to avoid risk and tries to save Rufus from being his own enemy, but she becomes endangered when Rufus is unsettled by something she stated. On page 118 of Kindred by Octavia Butler, Rufus says “I don't need reminders or threats from you”. This demonstrates the irony of this situation because it depicts how instead of being grateful for being saved, Rufus resorts to his true nature. The way Rufus acted toward Dana was the complete opposite of what he should have done. He should have been thankful for being saved when

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