Spunk Characters

As the eponymous character, Spunk could be understood as the story’s protagonist. However, through his conflict with Joe Kanty, it becomes apparent that Spunk is more suited to the role of antihero or antagonist… read analysis of Spunk Banks

The protagonist of the story, Joe Kanty is nervous, awkward and physically inferior to Spunk Banks, his rival. Joe is publically shamed and humiliated when a group of village folk witness Spunk arm in… read analysis of Joe Kanty

Lena Kanty, Joe’s wife and Spunk’s lover, is “a small pretty woman.” She is introduced when walking through the village “clinging lovingly” to Spunk. Joe and Spunk compete for Lena throughout the story… read analysis of Lena Kanty

Elijah works at the sawmill with Spunk Banks and admires him greatly for his strength and gumption. Frequenting the general store after work, Elijah enjoys gossiping and telling stories to the men there, who often… read analysis of Elijah Mosley

Having worked a hard day of physical labor at the sawmill, the local men fraternize at the general store, drinking and swapping stories. They represent a toxic expression of masculinity in the way that they… read analysis of The Men in the General Store

Old Jeff Kanty, Joe’s father, plays an important symbolic role in the story’s ending. He arrives at Lena’s house to attend Spunk’s funeral wake. The third person narrator reveals that Jeff would… read analysis of Jeff Kanty

After Joe’s murder, the villagers wait for the sheriff to arrive from Orlando, Florida, to arrest Spunk for his crime. It is likely that the sheriff would have been a white man, and, given… read analysis of The Sheriff