A Rose for Emily Group

Topic: What types of race relations do you notice in "A Rose for Emily"?

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1

kchild

I see the relationship between Emily and Toby. In the early part of the story it discusses that Colonel Sarttoris believes that 'no Negro woman should walk the streets without an apron" is this quote mentioned in the story because Emily is of mixed race?

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mshurn

There is no reason to believe that Emily was of mixed race. There is every reason to believe that she was white, the daughter of a once prominent family in Jefferson that dated back well before the Civil War. The reference to requiring that "Negro women" wear aprons in public concerns an edict that Colonel Sartoris issued in Jefferson shortly after the Civil War ended, and it is included in the story only to develop the history of Jefferson and establish its cultural roots. Emily's "man" Toby (a common slave name) had no doubt been a servant in the Grierson house for many years, but he was free to leave, and he did exactly that as soon as she was buried. When the people of Jefferson came through the front door of Emily's house, he walked directly out the back door.

4

mwestwood

The irony of slaves' relationships was most pronounced with those who worked and lived in the houses of wealthy Southerners.  For, often they were treated much like members of the family.  As children they played with the owners' children, the Mammy was much like a mother in advising the child as well as physically caring for him/her.  The house servants were often privy to family-related discussions among the owner's wife and children; children often confided in their maids, or mammys.  This relationship is exemplified by Harper Lee in her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" although Calpurnia is a free woman.

Old Toby may easily have grown up with Emily; he probably talked with her and genuinely cared for her.  When Emily dies, he knows that all ties to the house and family of Grierson is cut, so he leaves. 

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