A True Story

Content Warning: This section references racism and enslavement.

Aunt Rachel’s physical position relative to other characters is referred to multiple times, signifying her status as human and others’ recognition of that humanity. In the beginning, Aunt Rachel sits “respectfully” below Misto C and his family. As their servant, even after the end of slavery, she is still treated as inferior to white Americans. As the story progresses, she draws physically closer to Misto C in a process that mirrors the empathy her narrative presumably sparks in him. In his final interjection, Misto C describes her as towering above him, suggesting his newfound recognition of her strength and worth. Within her own narrative, Aunt Rachel similarly describes how her mother and she straighten themselves up before asserting their self-respect. Finally, Aunt Rachel uses her physical proximity to Misto C to help tell the tale of making biscuits and reuniting with her son. She pushes his feet and stares him in his eyes, demonstrating that she and Misto C are on the same level despite societal preconceptions. What’s more, her actions make him a participant in the story and even a proxy for her own son, all of which punctuate the request for empathy.