Tobe Bryant: The Black Mamba

     In William Faulkner's short story "A Rose for Emily," the author zooms in on the life of Emily Grierson. Much is revealed about her life through the eyes of neighboring narrators. The reader is able to learn of Emily's actions, which help to characterize the title character. The reader is also able to learn much about certain other characters, most notably Emily's father and her husband (?) Homer Barron. But there is also one other character whose name is given just once who also has a meaningful impact on the life of Emily and on the plot of the story itself. This character is the Grierson's servant (or perhaps slave?), Tobe. I am sure that this is his name because when Emily calls the name, the man immediately appears: "[Emily:] 'I have no taxes in Jefferson. Tobe!' The Negro appeared. 'Show these gentlemen out'" (Faulkner, 283). Obviously, Tobe must be  the name of the African-American servant of her household. Perhaps he is her butler and is similar to the character Jeffrey from "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." The reader doesn't learn much about Tobe because the narrator doesn't provide much description of him. But he is definitely an important piece of the story as a whole. Without Tobe, the reader would not have been able to learn of Emily's laziness and deteriorating health. She has become an ultra-homebody, which means that she must rely greatly on Tobe's services in order to maintain her way of life. He goes to the store for her, presumably so that she does not have to be seen in public. Without actually speaking, Tobe is able to characterize himself and Emily alike. He is very loyal and is never seen complaining about meeting her every whim. Perhaps this is because he knows his place in society, or perhaps this is because he knows better than to mess with Miss Grierson. And yet, as Emily's life goes on, Tobe's presence remains constant up until the very end. Once Emily has finally died, the narrator begins to reveal a little more about Tobe. For example, the narrator explains, "We did not even know she was sick; we had long since given up trying to get any information from the Negro. He talked to no one, probably not even to her, for his voice had grown harsh and rusty, as if from disuse. ... The Negro met the first o f the ladies at the front door and let them in, with their hushed, sibilant voices and their quick, curious glances, and then he disappeared. He walked right through the house and out the back and was not seen again" (Faulkner, 288-9). With this quote, the reader is able to learn much about Jeffrey, namely how loyal in character he truly was. He never disclosed any gossip to the neighbors and did not talk much. He was introspective and loyal, remaining with Emily until he realized his services were no longer necessary. Perhaps his lack of speaking characterizes Tobe as slightly uneducated, but that was not uncommon for an African-American of his time. Emily depended on Tobe greatly, which proves that he is trustworthy and humble at heart.