“The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

“The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston was first published in 1933 as part of the Story magazine. Later, it was included in her 1935 collection Spunk. Considered one of her finest short stories, “The Gilded Six-Bits” depicts themes of love, betrayal, and redemption in Hurston’s signature style. The story celebrates the rich vernacular of African-American communities in the South, and is written with her eye for detail and understanding of human nature. “The Gilded Six Bits” offers a nuanced narrative and a portrayal of love and forgiveness that is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.

Main Events: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

1. The Joys of Young Love: Joe and Missie May are a vibrant, working-class couple in Eatonville, Florida. Their love is playful and affectionate. Their Saturday ritual of Joe throwing silver dollars through the door and Missie May scrambling to collect them, followed by playful wrestling and banter, showcases their bond.
2. A Tempter Arrives: Otis D. Slemmons, a smooth-talking, gold-adorned outsider, opens an ice cream parlor, bringing an air of wealth and sophistication. Missie May, initially scoffing at him, is gradually seduced by the idea of the finer things he represents. Joe is proud to parade his beautiful wife in front of this well-dressed stranger.
3. Betrayal and Heartbreak: One Saturday night, Joe returns home early, his heart set on surprising Missie May. Instead, he finds her in bed with Slemmons. The betrayal shatters Joe’s world. He laughs, but it’s a hollow sound laced with pain. In the ensuing fight, Slemmons’ “gold” watch charm falls off, revealing it to be a cheap, gilded coin—a symbol of his deception.
4. Erosion of Trust: Though Missie May pleads for forgiveness, a chasm forms between the couple. Joe avoids physical intimacy and the playful joy that defined their marriage. Missie May’s discovery of the gilded coin emphasizes Slemmons’ falseness and the humiliation she has brought upon them. Even so, Joe refuses to let her off easy.
5. Bittersweet Hope: Missie May becomes pregnant and gives birth to Joe’s son. There is a flicker of hope that this innocent life will mend the rift, but Joe’s coldness persists. His brief interest in the baby fades, showcasing how deeply damaged he is.
6. The Final Insult: Months later, Joe goes to Orlando for supplies. He uses the gilded coin to buy candy, falsely boasting that he tricked a gullible stranger out of the fake gold piece. This cruel act exposes the depth of his resentment. Missie May, at last, understands that their once-loving marriage may be beyond repair.

Literary Devices/Narrative Devices: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Literary/Narrative Device	Example from Text
1. Setting	Description of the Negro settlement, the house, and the yard
2. Symbolism	Silver dollars thrown in the door symbolize affection and playfulness
3. Imagery	Description of Missie May bathing and the scene of the front yard and porch
4. Foreshadowing	Joe’s complaint of pains in his back foreshadows his illness later in the story
5. Irony	Joe’s belief that he’s protecting Missie May from a robber, when it’s Slemmons
6. Characterization	Missie May’s actions and dialogue reveal her complex feelings and motivations
7. Dialogue	Conversations between Joe and Missie May, as well as between other characters
8. Conflict	Internal conflict within Joe regarding his feelings for Missie May and Slemmons
9. Flashback	Recollection of Joe and Missie May’s Saturday routines
10. Foil	Joe and Slemmons serve as foils to each other, highlighting their differences
11. Motif	Themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness are recurring motifs throughout the story
12. Alliteration	“Missie May made two or three unsuccessful grabs at the pan”
13. Hyperbole	Missie May exaggerating about Joe’s appearance compared to Slemmons
14. Personification	“The great belt on the wheel of Time slipped and eternity stood still”
15. Allegory	Joe’s struggle with Slemmons can be interpreted allegorically as a moral battle
16. Suspense	Tension builds as Joe discovers Slemmons in the bedroom and confronts him
17. Tone	Varied tones throughout the story, from playful banter to intense confrontation
18. Theme	Themes of trust, betrayal, forgiveness, and the complexities of love and marriage
19. Metaphor	“Joe’s fury overrode his intentions and he grabbed at Slemmons like a battering ram”
20. Parallelism	Parallel structure in Joe and Missie May’s conversations, reflecting their bond

Characterization: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Major Characters:

1. Missie May:
   • Characterization: Missie May is portrayed as a vibrant and affectionate wife who enjoys playful banter with her husband, Joe. She is depicted as loving and devoted, but also susceptible to temptation and deception.
   • References: Missie May is described bathing in the bedroom, engaging in mock fights with Joe, and expressing her desires and fears throughout the story. Her emotional turmoil is evident when she cries after the confrontation with Slemmons.
2. Joe Banks:
   • Characterization: Joe is depicted as a hardworking and devoted husband who loves his wife deeply. He is portrayed as playful and affectionate, but also capable of jealousy and anger.
   • References: Joe’s affection for Missie May is demonstrated through his playful gestures, such as throwing silver dollars into the house. His protective nature is evident when he confronts Slemmons and later when he stands by Missie May during her illness.
3. Otis D. Slemmons:
   • Characterization: Slemmons is depicted as a deceptive and manipulative outsider who disrupts the harmony of Joe and Missie May’s marriage. He presents himself as wealthy and charming but is ultimately revealed to be fraudulent.
   • References: Slemmons’ deceptive nature is highlighted through his interactions with Joe and Missie May. His attempt to seduce Missie May and his eventual confrontation with Joe demonstrate his manipulative character.

Minor Characters:

1. Joe’s Mother:
   • Characterization: Joe’s mother is portrayed as a concerned and opinionated figure who expresses skepticism about Missie May’s character and their marriage.
   • References: She expresses her doubts about Missie May and her concerns about Joe’s marriage, indicating her protective nature towards her son.
2. Candy Store Clerk:
   • Characterization: The candy store clerk is depicted as a friendly and curious character who engages in casual conversation with Joe.
   • References: The clerk’s interactions with Joe in the candy store provide insight into the community’s perception of Joe and his experiences.

Writing Style: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Writing Style Feature	Description	References
Dialect and Vernacular	Hurston’s writing style is characterized by the use of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and dialect, which adds authenticity and richness to the dialogue and narrative.	Examples include: Dialogue between characters such as Missie May and Joe, as well as descriptions of settings and events.
Imagery	Hurston employs vivid imagery to paint detailed pictures of characters, settings, and events, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the world of the story.	Examples include: Descriptions of the characters’ physical appearance, the yard and house, and the atmosphere during key moments like the confrontation with Slemmons.
Symbolism	Symbolism is used to convey deeper meanings and themes throughout the story. Hurston often employs symbolic elements that represent larger ideas or concepts.	Examples include: The silver dollars symbolizing Joe’s affection for Missie May, the gilded six-bits representing deception and false appearances, and the act of bathing symbolizing vulnerability and intimacy.
Dialogue	Hurston’s dialogue is authentic and reflective of the characters’ personalities, social status, and cultural background. The dialogue drives the plot forward and reveals insights into the characters’ thoughts and feelings.	Examples include: Conversations between Joe and Missie May, as well as interactions with other characters like Slemmons and Joe’s mother.
Irony	Irony is employed throughout the story to create contrasts between appearance and reality, often leading to unexpected twists and revelations.	Examples include: The irony of Slemmons’s deception being revealed by a gilded six-bit, and the contrast between appearances and reality in Joe and Missie May’s relationship.

Main Themes: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

1. Deception and Betrayal
   • The theme of deception and betrayal is central to the story, particularly embodied in the character of Otis D. Slemmons, who deceives both Joe and Missie May with his gilded appearance and false promises.
   • Reference: When Joe discovers Slemmons’s deception, he recounts, “Ah hauled off and knocked ‘im down and took his old four-bits away from ‘im.”
2. Appearance vs. Reality
   • Hurston explores the dichotomy between appearance and reality, highlighting how things may not always be as they seem. Characters like Slemmons use superficial appearances to mask their true intentions and character.
   • Reference: The gilded six-bits serves as a symbol of false appearances, as Joe realizes the truth behind Slemmons’s charm and riches.
3. Love and Forgiveness
   • Love and forgiveness are recurring themes in the story, particularly in Joe and Missie May’s relationship. Despite the challenges they face, their love endures, and they ultimately find a way to reconcile and move forward.
   • Reference: After the betrayal is revealed, Missie May expresses her love for Joe, saying, “Ah love you so hard and Ah know you don’t love me no mo’.” However, Joe’s actions and forgiveness ultimately demonstrate his enduring love for Missie May.
4. Redemption and Renewal
   • The story also explores themes of redemption and renewal, as characters confront their mistakes and strive to rebuild their lives and relationships. Despite the hardships they face, there is hope for a brighter future.
   • Reference: The birth of Joe and Missie May’s child symbolizes a new beginning and the possibility of redemption, as they come together to embrace their growing family and overcome past difficulties.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Literary Theory	Interpretation
Marxist Criticism	Hurston’s story can be analyzed through a Marxist lens, highlighting themes of social class and economic inequality. The characters’ interactions with wealth, such as Slemmons’s deception and Joe’s reaction to it, reflect broader societal power dynamics.
Feminist Criticism	A feminist reading of the story could focus on Missie May’s agency and autonomy within her marriage. Despite Joe’s betrayal, Missie May’s actions and decisions demonstrate her strength and resilience in navigating complex gender roles and expectations.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Through a psychoanalytic lens, the characters’ motivations and desires can be explored. Joe’s confrontation with Slemmons may represent his subconscious fears and insecurities, while Missie May’s reaction to the betrayal could be analyzed in terms of her emotional conflicts and attachments.
Postcolonial Criticism	Postcolonial analysis of the story may examine themes of cultural identity and colonial influence within the African American community. The characters’ encounters with deception and betrayal can be seen as reflections of broader colonial legacies and power struggles.
Formalist Criticism	From a formalist perspective, attention may be drawn to Hurston’s use of language, imagery, and symbolism to convey meaning. The gilded six-bits, for example, serves as a powerful symbol of deception and false appearances, enriching the story’s thematic depth and resonance.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Topic 1: Deception and Appearance

• Question: How does Hurston use gold and gilded objects to symbolize deception and the pursuit of shallow wealth?
• Thesis Statement: In “The Gilded Six-Bits,” Hurston employs the symbol of the gilded coins, and other references to gold, to illustrate the destructive power of appearances and the fallacy of equating wealth with happiness.

Topic 2: Forgiveness and Redemption

• Question: Does Missie May’s betrayal fully negate her love for Joe? How does Hurston depict the process of forgiveness and the restoration of their marriage?
• Thesis Statement: While Missie May’s actions cause deep pain, “The Gilded Six-Bits” suggests that love can endure transgression, with Hurston portraying forgiveness as a complex and transformative journey.

Topic 3: Gender Roles and Community

• Question: How are the expectations for men and women depicted within the story’s community? Does Hurston reinforce or challenge these roles?
• Thesis Statement: “The Gilded Six-Bits” reveals the constraints of traditional gender roles in the community, yet hints at a possibility for a more dynamic and equitable relationship through the evolution of Joe and Missie May’s marriage.

Topic 4: Hurston’s Use of Dialect

• Question: What is the effect of Hurston’s use of dialect? How does it contribute to the story’s authenticity and impact?
• Thesis Statement: Hurston’s use of dialect in “The Gilded Six-Bits” creates an immersive literary experience, celebrating the richness of African-American vernacular while also conveying the specific cultural landscape of the story.

Short Questions/Answers: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

• Question 1: Is Joe’s forgiveness of Missie May a sign of genuine restoration of their relationship or simply a surrender to community expectations?
• Answer: Hurston leaves the question of Joe’s forgiveness intentionally ambiguous. While their playful interaction at the end hints at reconciliation (“Missie May, you ain’t gointuh do me dat way after all?”), the power dynamic has undeniably shifted. Joe’s final gesture of casting away the gilded coins can be interpreted as a rejection of shallow temptations, but it also leaves them without their playful ritual based on shared wealth. The story suggests a potential for forgiveness and a changed marriage, but whether it marks genuine healing or simply a pragmatic compromise remains open to interpretation.
• Question 2: Beyond the issue of betrayal, how does the lure of Otis Slemmons expose flaws in Joe and Missie May’s relationship?
• Answer: Slemmons’ flashy appearance and promises of an easy, glamorous life reveal Missie May’s dissatisfaction with the simplicity of her routine with Joe (“She knew… [Otis] was much younger than Joe”). However, Joe’s own pride and possessiveness are also emphasized as he obsessively guards the gold coins, inadvertently fueling Missie May’s sense of being bound by material objects. Their initial happiness is fragile, lacking a deeper emotional connection that could make them resilient against external temptations.
• Question 3: Does Hurston’s use of dialect condemn or empower the characters and their community?
• Answer: Hurston’s use of dialect is multifaceted. It adds richness and authenticity to the characters’ voices, preserving a unique linguistic heritage (“Ah’m gointuh see whut it is youse skeered to show me”). Yet, it could be argued the dialect also risks perpetuating stereotypes for an outside audience. The story raises a complex conversation about the power of language to either uplift or contribute to the limitations placed upon marginalized groups.

Literary Works Similar to “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

1. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston – If you haven’t already, delving into more of Hurston’s work is a great idea. This novel is one of her most famous works, exploring themes of love, independence, and self-discovery.
2. The Color Purple by Alice Walker – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Celie, a black woman in the South, as she navigates through abuse, love, and finding her voice.
3. The Street by Ann Petry – Set in 1940s Harlem, this novel follows the struggles of Lutie Johnson as she tries to provide a better life for her son while facing poverty and racism.
4. Passing by Nella Larsen – This novella explores racial identity and the complexities of passing as white in 1920s Harlem.
5. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman by Ernest J. Gaines – This novel follows the life of Jane Pittman, a former slave who lives through the Civil Rights Movement, offering a unique perspective on American history.

Suggested Readings: “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Books:

• Hurston, Zora Neale. The Complete Stories. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 1996.
• This collection includes “The Gilded Six-Bits” along with other short stories by Zora Neale Hurston, providing a comprehensive look at her storytelling style and themes.
• Smith, Valerie. Zora Neale Hurston: A Literary Biography. University of Illinois Press, 2007.
• Valerie Smith’s biography offers insights into Hurston’s life and influences, shedding light on the context in which “The Gilded Six-Bits” was written.

Articles:

• Davis, Thadious M. “Zora Neale Hurston: ‘A Negro Way of Saying’.” Black American Literature Forum, vol. 14, no. 2, 1980, pp. 69-75. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/2904283.
• This article analyzes Hurston’s unique narrative style and its significance in “The Gilded Six-Bits” and other works, exploring how she incorporates African American vernacular and folklore.
• Davis, Doris. “‘De Talkin’ Game’: The Creation of Psychic Space in Selected Short Fiction of Zora Neale Hurston.” Tulsa Studies in Women’s Literature, vol. 26, no. 2, 2007, pp. 269–86. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20455329. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.

Websites:

• Zora Neale Hurston Official Website. www.zoranealehurston.com
• This official website provides biographical information about Zora Neale Hurston, as well as resources related to her works, including “The Gilded Six-Bits.”
• Modern American Poetry: Zora Neale Hurston www.english.illinois.edu/maps/poets/g_l/hurston/hurston.htm