Walter Thomas Character Analysis

Walter Thomas is unique in that he is the only man in the village to speak out against perceived injustices (save for Joe Kanty, whose version of speaking up is meek and ineffective). Walter challenges the status quo and voices his opinions openly, seemingly unperturbed by the fierce backlash he might receive from his male peers. Firstly, Walter voices his discomfort about how the men—namely Elijah— treat Joe Kanty in the general store. Walter “grumble[s]” his disapproval of Elijah’s bullying and “chide[s]” him, warning that “Spunk will sho’ kill” Joe as a result of the men’s actions, a prediction that turns out to be true. Secondly, Walter raises concerns about the immorality of Spunk’s affair, saying “tain’t right the way he carries on wid Lena Kanty.” Finally, after Joe’s murder, Walter boldly declares that “Joe wuz a braver man than Spunk,” a statement that receives “derision” from the other men. In contrast to Elijah, Walter is interested in truth and justice. For Walter, Spunk receives the punishment he deserves when he’s faced with Joe’s ghost and has to reckon with his past immorality.