What I find fascinating in Rebecca Blevins Faery’s piece is firstly, that so many generations of the lineage can exist at the same time, and secondly, the questioning of the unknown and unknowable. Faery sets up this story of a woman that only exists to her through stories, and through that, brings her to life. Her existence in a way, is validated in a way through her nonexistence in the piece. Having so many generations at her disposal, i do wonder why Faery focuses on the one family member that she can only speculate about.
Faery’s portrayal of racial relations exists almost in juxtaposition to Ella’s presence. Faery’s voice seems in a way removed, as if she is just reporting the stories of this family. The tones of race and society serve as a framework for this piece, and politicizes this piece. The figure of Ella, on the other hand, seems as Faery’s lack of control over something–as she knows she cannot know more of her so why even string along the question? I am at odds with this piece, and am unsure of whether to look at Faery bringing light to certain social issues or trying to understand, and somewhat failing to, the mystical existence of Ella.
