How does Rufus mother act toward her son in kindred book?

In Octavia Butler's "Kindred," Rufus's mother, who is unnamed, exhibits a complex and often contradictory relationship with her son. She is protective and nurturing, yet she also struggles to maintain authority over him as he grows increasingly manipulative and entitled. Her actions reflect the societal norms of the antebellum South, where her maternal instincts conflict with the harsh realities of her family's slave-owning status. Ultimately, her behavior contributes to Rufus's development into a deeply flawed character, as she fails to challenge his growing cruelty and sense of entitlement.