I have always found it interesting that mention is made of Tobe leaving the house. You have to wonder how much and to what extent he knew about what was going on in the house. Although his place as a black servant would have him leaving through the back door, I've always thought that perhaps he had protected Emily's secret for all these years, and he didn't want to be around to answer questions when the townspeople found Homer's skeleton and Emily's gray hair on the pillow next to him. We aren't told anything about what Tobe's responsibilities were or how much he had to take care of Emily in her latter years, but I just find it interesting why his departure and the fact that he was never seen again was included in the story. I don't think Tobe did anything other than to protect Emily and her reputation, knowing what would happen to her if the town ever found out about Homer.
This is the traditional south, and the servant knows his place. He is leaving, and black servants remain relegated to rear entrances and exits, a reminder that they must defer to whites, and especially white women, who retain the privileges of the "front" in many aspects of life.
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