A Rose for Emily Group

Question:

supesman
supesman

Why does Toby disappear at the end of "A Rose for Emily"?

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Posted by supesman on Sunday October 7, 2007 at 6:10 PM and tagged with a rose for emily, disappearance, toby.

Answers:


  1. sagetrieb Teacher
    Doctorate

    The black servant Toby signifies the vestiges racism of the traditional south that has its counterpart in the "lady" status of Emily.  While racism results in a denigration of people for their color, the cult of the "lady" limited southern women to a different lack of power, as seen in the demise of Emily.  It is appropriate that he leaves by the back door and is "not seen again" for this is the moment of Emily's death, when she is freed of the ideologies of being a lady that made her so unhappy during her lifetime.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/rose-emily

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    Posted by sagetrieb on Sunday October 7, 2007 at 6:27 PM


  2. amy-lepore Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    In addition, it is important to note that both Emily and Toby have only known the role assigned to them--she is the aristocratic and priviledged southern lady who is accustomed to servants.  He is the servant and has been groomed for that purpose.  Once Emily is dead, she no longer requires Toby's services.  Emily is freed from her bonds, and likewise, so is Toby.

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    Posted by amy-lepore on Monday October 8, 2007 at 5:14 AM

  3. singlerose
    singlerose Student
    College - Freshman

    I also think that Tobe leaves at the end because he knew about Emily's secret all these years and never told anybody...

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    Posted by singlerose on Friday March 6, 2009 at 3:57 PM