William Faulkner's "There Was a Queen"

William Faulkner’s “There Was a Queen” points out the injustice suffered by a child born fathered by a master and a slave woman. Elnora does not know that she has Satoris blood in her. Elnora,however, feels that she is more worthy of the Satoris name than Narcissa is; she feels that she is a part of the family and not someone who simply takes care of the family. This feeling comes from the fact that Elnora cares for and takes pride in the family. Elnora states, “Because it’s a Satoris job. Cunnel knowed that when he died and tole me to take care of her. Tole me. Not no outsiders from town.” Elnora’s statement reveals that she considers herself as a Satoris, and it was her job to take care of Virginia. Elnora clearly takes pride in the Satoris name. Elnora remarks, “Ain’t no Satoris man never missed nobody;” this statement implies that a man missing his mother is a sign of weakness, and Satoris men are not weak.

Though Elnora considers herself a Satoris, she is reminded again and again of her status as a black woman and a servant. When she calls Narcissa lazy, she is corrected by Virginia who says, “You stop talking that way about her” and “you keep it to yourself. She’s Bayard’s wife. A Satoris woman, now.” Elnora replies that Narcissa “won’t never be a Satoris.” Elnora’s strong remark shows that she feels the injustice of her status. While she cares for the Satoris family, she will never be considered a part of the family by Virginia. Narcissa, on the other hand, is considered a Satoris by Virginia even though Elnora feels that Narcissa does not deserve the name. Elnora points out that Narcissa is “Trash, Town trash.” Though Narcissa enjoys the lifestyle of a Satoris living in the house, she does not live within the standards Elnora finds acceptable for Satoris women.

In the beginning of the story, the narrator remarks that Elnora was Bayard’s half-sister, though most likely Elnora, Bayard, and their father did not know. At first, this statement by the narrator seemed out of placed with regard to the rest of the story. However, Faulkner may be pointing out the injustice suffered by Elnora. Though Elnora has Satoris blood in her, she is not considered a Satoris because of her status as a black woman. She is more considerate towards the family than Narcissa, who is only a Satoris by marriage.