GradeSaver ClassicNotes Faulkner's Short Stories - A Rose for Emily - Barn Burning Study Guide

A Rose For Emily and Other Short Stories Questions

Join the discussion about A Rose For Emily and Other Short Stories by asking a new question or answering an existing question.

apparently no one thought to talk to Tobe to find out the truth of Emily, her father and Homer Barron.

 

rosalin a #197703
Aug 30, 2011 8:32 PM

Report abuse

apparently no one thought to talk to Tobe to find out the truth of Emily, her father and Homer Barron.

Tobe in A Rose for Emily is present throughout Miss Emily life. He never says a word in the story, but he is a crucial character, for he sustains Emily and her father for many decades.

Answer this question

 

Aslan
Dec 22, 2011 11:57 AM

Report abuse

Yes, the whole Tobe situation is anybody’s guess. We know he is old, black and completely loyal to Miss. Emily. He is first described as, "an old man-servant – a combined gardener and cook". So, he did pretty much everything for this old lady including tipping off the town that she might be dead. I'm not sure why nobody talks to Tobe but I can speculate that he was not the talking sort of guy. He seems as private as his employer. If we examine the dates Tobe could very well have been a product of the Civil war era. Perhaps he liked the isolation and employment afforded to him by Miss. Emily. In any case he just walks out after her death. He probably did have many secrets about that old lady but we can only speculate to why he kept them to himself. If he was so loyal to her in life it would make sense he would be loyal to her in death. That's my best guess and I'm sticking with it!
 

Join for free to answer this question.

Existing Users

New Users

Must contain six characters and at least one digit.

A Rose For Emily and Other Short Stories Essays and Related Content