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

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

“The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston, first published in 1933 in the collection The Story Magazine, explores storytelling and Hurston’s ability to craft relatable characters, witty dialogue, and poignant themes. The narrative’s exploration of love, relationships, and the African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance is both authentic and captivating. The story’s use of dialect and vivid descriptions of setting and character also demonstrate Hurston’s skillful writing style, making “The Gilded Six-Bits” a standout tale that continues to resonate with readers today.

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

Literary Devices in “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“The fence and house were whitewashed.”	Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. Here, the repetition of the “w” sound emphasizes the cleanliness and uniformity of the fence and house.
Allusion	“Like Samson awakening after his haircut.”	An allusion is a reference to a well-known person, event, or work of literature. In this case, the reference to Samson from the Bible suggests a sudden realization of vulnerability or betrayal.
Anaphora	“Shouting, laughing, twisting, turning, tussling, tickling each other.”	Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Here, it emphasizes the playful and energetic nature of Joe and Missie May’s interaction.
Anthropomorphism	“The sun, the hero of every day.”	Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human characteristics to non-human entities. In this example, the sun is personified as a heroic figure, emphasizing its importance in daily life.
Foreshadowing	“It was day. Nothing more. Joe wouldn’t be coming home as usual.”	Foreshadowing hints at future events in the story. Here, the description of the dawn signals a significant change in Joe and Missie May’s relationship.
Hyperbole	“Missie May’s stiff young breasts thrust forward aggressively.”	Hyperbole is an exaggeration for emphasis or effect. The description of Missie May’s breasts as “aggressively” thrusting forward emphasizes their prominence and youthfulness.
Imagery	“A mess of homey flowers planted without a plan.”	Imagery uses descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader. Here, the image of “homey flowers” evokes a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Irony	“Missie May promptly appeared at the door in mock alarm.”	Irony occurs when the opposite of what is expected happens. Here, Missie May’s “mock alarm” contradicts her actual anticipation of Joe’s arrival, creating a humorous contrast.
Metaphor	“The ring of singing metal on wood.”	A metaphor compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” Here, the sound of coins hitting wood is compared to music, emphasizing its joyful and playful nature.
Onomatopoeia	“The ring of singing metal on wood.”	Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate sounds. The phrase “ring of singing metal” mimics the sound of coins hitting wood, enhancing the auditory imagery.
Paradox	“He was polite, even kind at times, but aloof.”	A paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory but may contain a hidden truth. Here, Joe’s politeness and kindness coexist with his emotional distance, creating a contradiction in his behavior.
Personification	“Water ran downhill and birds nested.”	Personification attributes human qualities to inanimate objects or animals. Here, water is described as “running downhill,” and birds are said to “nest,” giving them human-like actions.
Repetition	“Missie May grinned with delight.”	Repetition emphasizes a point or idea by repeating words or phrases. Here, the repetition of “Missie May” draws attention to her emotions, highlighting her joy.
Simile	“Missie May clutched onto Joe and Joe trying, but not too hard, to get away.”	A simile compares two unlike things using “like” or “as.” Here, Joe’s attempt to escape is likened to someone trying to escape a playful tug-of-war, emphasizing the lightheartedness of their interaction.
Symbolism	“The gilded half dollar.”	Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts. Here, the gilded half dollar symbolizes Missie May’s betrayal and Joe’s acceptance of it.
Tone	“Joe sank his face into the pillow for a spell.”	Tone is the author’s attitude toward the subject matter or audience. Here, the phrase “sank his face into the pillow” suggests a somber or reflective tone, indicating Joe’s internal turmoil.
Understatement	“The acid ran out at the G. and G.”	Understatement is the presentation of something as less important or serious than it actually is. Here, the shortage of acid at the G. and G. is described casually, downplaying its significance.
Verbal Irony	“You womens sho is hard to sense into things.”	Verbal irony occurs when a character says one thing but means another. Here, Joe’s statement about women being hard to understand is ironic given his own inability to understand Missie May’s betrayal.
Flashback	“One night around eleven…”	A flashback is an interruption in the present narrative to provide information about events that occurred in the past. Here, the story momentarily shifts to recount events from Joe and Missie May’s past.
Dialogue	“Missie May promptly appeared at the door in mock alarm.”	Dialogue is a conversation between characters. Here, Missie May’s interaction with Joe is conveyed through their spoken words, revealing their playful dynamic.

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

Major Characters:

• Missie May
  Missie May is the protagonist of the story, a loving and hardworking wife dedicated to her husband Joe. She is playful and affectionate, often engaging in mock battles with Joe and enjoying their Saturday afternoon rituals. Her loyalty and trust in Joe are evident in her devotion to their relationship. She is also shown to be proud of her husband and their life together, refusing to be impressed by Otis D. Slemmons’ charm and gold accessories.
• Joe
  Joe is the protagonist of the story, a devoted husband who adores his wife Missie May. He is playful and affectionate, enjoying their Saturday afternoon rituals and showing his love through small gestures like throwing silver dollars into the door for her to find. He is also shown to be trusting and loyal, believing in Missie May’s devotion to him until Otis D. Slemmons’ arrival. His dedication to his wife and their life together is evident in his reaction to Slemmons’ flirtations with Missie May.
• Otis D. Slemmons
  Otis D. Slemmons is the antagonist of the story, a charming but deceitful outsider who uses his smooth talk and gold accessories to manipulate others. He is a newcomer to town, opening an ice cream parlor and quickly gaining attention from the women in the community. He flirts with Missie May, undermining Joe’s trust and causing tension in their relationship. His true intentions are revealed when he is caught with Missie May in a compromising position, leading to a confrontation with Joe.

Minor Characters:

• Ida Armstrong
  Ida Armstrong is a large woman who visits the ice cream parlor, referred to as “dat broad wid de forte shake.” She is a minor character who appears briefly in the story, serving as a foil to Missie May’s beauty and grace.
• Mister Packard
  Mister Packard is a wealthy individual mentioned as a possible owner of lost gold money. He is a minor character who is not directly involved in the story but serves as a reference point for Joe and Missie May’s dreams of finding wealth.
• Mister Cadillac
  Mister Cadillac is a wealthy individual mentioned as a possible owner of lost gold money. Like Mister Packard, he is a minor character who serves as a reference point for Joe and Missie May’s dreams of finding wealth.
• The Foreman at the G. and G. Fertilizer works
  The foreman at the G. and G. Fertilizer works is an unnamed minor character who knocks off the crew when the acid runs out. He serves as a catalyst for Joe’s return home, leading to the confrontation with Otis D. Slemmons.

Major Themes in “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

• Deception and Appearances: The theme of deception and appearances is central to the story, as the characters grapple with the difference between reality and appearance. The title itself, “The Gilded Six-Bits,” refers to coins that are plated with gold but have a base metal core, symbolizing the deception that runs throughout the story. The character of Otis D. Slemmons is a master of deception, using his charm and fake wealth to manipulate others. Missie May and Joe are also deceived by appearances, as they are initially taken in by Slemmons’s wealth and status.
• Greed: Greed is another major theme in the story, as it drives the actions of many of the characters. Slemmons’s greed for wealth and status is evident in his scam to sell fake gold coins, and Missie May’s greed for material possessions and social status leads her to betray Joe. Joe’s desire to emulate Slemmons and provide more for Missie May also stems from a sense of greed.
• Love and Forgiveness: The power of love and forgiveness is a dominant theme in the story. Joe’s love for Missie May is tested when he discovers her infidelity, but he ultimately chooses to forgive her and work towards healing their relationship. The story suggests that true love can overcome even the most significant betrayals and that forgiveness is essential for moving forward.
• Domesticity and Routine: The story highlights the importance of domesticity and routine in relationships. The opening scene, where Joe and Missie May engage in a playful and loving routine, sets the tone for the rest of the story. The disruption of this routine by Slemmons’s arrival and Missie May’s infidelity serves as a catalyst for the conflict that follows. The story ultimately suggests that a strong domestic foundation and a commitment to routine can help relationships weather even the most significant challenges.

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

• Dialect and Vernacular Language:

• Example: “She ain’t no regular colored woman, she’s a pet.” (spoken by Joe)
• Hurston captures the authentic speech patterns of the characters, using colloquial language and dialect to add realism to the dialogue.
• Rich Description:

• Example: “He showered her with silver dollars and she paid him back in dimes and nickels.”
• Hurston provides vivid descriptions of scenes and characters, using sensory details to immerse the reader in the setting.
• Symbolism:

• Example: “The gilded half-dollar gleamed in the lamplight.”
• Hurston employs symbols such as the gilded coin to represent deeper themes and ideas, adding layers of meaning to the narrative.
• Humor:

• Example: “Joe nearly went into convulsions from laughing.”
• Hurston infuses the story with humor through witty dialogue, situational comedy, and playful interactions between the characters.
• Southern Setting and Culture:

• Example: “Joe and Missie May lived in a little house the color of the silver pieces he showered on her.”
• Hurston captures the essence of the Southern setting and culture, incorporating elements such as porch swings, magnolia blossoms, and communal gatherings.
• Narrative Voice:

• Example: “He swung Missie May into the air, holding her hands.”
• Hurston’s narrative voice is dynamic and engaging, drawing readers into the story with its lively and rhythmic prose.

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

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Examples from the Story
Feminist Theory	Examines the roles and representation of women in the story, highlighting the societal expectations and limitations placed on them.	Missie May’s character represents the constraints of gender roles, as she is expected to prioritize domesticity and loyalty over personal desires. Her infidelity can be seen as a rebellion against these expectations.
Marxist Theory	Analyzes the economic and social class structures within the story, focusing on power dynamics and exploitation.	The character of Otis D. Slemmons embodies the corrupting influence of wealth and power, using his fake gold coins to manipulate and exploit others. Joe and Missie May’s working-class status makes them vulnerable to Slemmons’s schemes.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explores the unconscious desires, repressed emotions, and psychological motivations of the characters.	Joe’s reaction to Missie May’s infidelity can be seen as a manifestation of his own insecurities and fears. His desire to emulate Slemmons and provide more for Missie May reveals a deep-seated need for validation and status.

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

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Themes of Love and Betrayal	How do love and betrayal intersect in the story?	In “The Gilded Six-Bits,” Zora Neale Hurston explores the complex dynamics of love and betrayal, illustrating how these themes shape the lives of the characters.
Symbolism of the Gilded Coin	What does the gilded coin symbolize in the story?	The gilded coin in “The Gilded Six-Bits” serves as a symbol of illusion, representing the allure of superficial wealth and the consequences of deception in relationships.
Gender Roles and Expectations	How do gender roles influence the characters’ actions?	Hurston highlights the impact of traditional gender roles and societal expectations on the characters of Joe and Missie May, revealing the complexities of marital dynamics in their community.
Redemption and Forgiveness	How do Joe and Missie May achieve redemption and forgiveness?	Through moments of introspection and reconciliation, Joe and Missie May embark on a journey of redemption and forgiveness, ultimately finding healing and renewal in their relationship.

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

Question 1: How does Hurston use the character of Otis D. Slemmons to subvert the notion of the “self-made man” in the story?

Answer: Hurston uses Slemmons to expose the flaws in the idea of the “self-made man” by portraying him as a fraudulent and manipulative character who achieves success through deception and exploitation. Slemmons’s fake gold coins and exaggerated wealth serve as a symbol of the empty materialism and superficiality of the American Dream. Through Slemmons’s character, Hurston critiques the notion that success is solely the result of individual effort and talent, highlighting instead the role of privilege and deception in achieving social status.

Question 2: What role does the concept of “play” play in the story, and how does it relate to the themes of love and relationships?

Answer: Play is a significant concept in the story, as it represents the joyful and carefree aspects of love and relationships. The playful interactions between Joe and Missie May, such as their mock battles and Saturday afternoon rituals, serve as a symbol of their deep affection and connection. However, the disruption of this playfulness by Slemmons’s arrival and Missie May’s infidelity highlights the fragility of relationships and the need for communication and trust. Through the concept of play, Hurston explores the importance of joy and spontaneity in relationships and the consequences of its absence.

Question 3: How does the story engage with the theme of class and economic mobility, particularly in the context of the African American experience during the Harlem Renaissance?

Answer: The story critiques the limited economic mobility and class opportunities available to African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance. Joe and Missie May’s working-class status and desire for wealth and status reflect the economic struggles faced by many African Americans during this time period. Slemmons’s fake gold coins and exaggerated wealth serve as a symbol of the empty materialism and superficiality of the American Dream, highlighting the impossibility of achieving economic mobility through individual effort alone. Through the story, Hurston exposes the systemic barriers to economic mobility and class advancement faced by African Americans.

Question 4: What significance does the title “The Gilded Six-Bits” hold in relation to the themes and characters of the story?

Answer: The title “The Gilded Six-Bits” refers to the fake gold coins used by Slemmons to deceive others, symbolizing the superficiality and emptiness of material wealth. The title also alludes to the idea of something being “gilded” or covered in a thin layer of gold, reflecting the characters’ desire for status and wealth. The “six-bits” also represents the small amount of money that Joe and Missie May find, highlighting the limited economic opportunities available to them. Through the title, Hurston emphasizes the themes of deception, materialism, and economic struggle that are central to the story.

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

1. “Sweat” by Zora Neale Hurston: In this story, Hurston explores the struggles of a hardworking washerwoman named Delia and her abusive husband. It delves into themes of resilience, empowerment, and the complexities of marital relationships.
2. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: Jackson’s chilling tale unfolds in a seemingly idyllic town where an annual lottery takes a sinister turn. Like “The Gilded Six-Bits,” it examines the darker aspects of human nature and societal norms.
3. “A Good Man Is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor: O’Connor’s story follows a family’s fateful road trip that takes a dramatic turn when they encounter a notorious criminal. It shares themes of morality, redemption, and the unpredictability of fate.
4. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: This haunting story revolves around a woman’s descent into madness as she becomes obsessed with the wallpaper in her room. Like Hurston’s work, it delves into themes of confinement, gender roles, and mental health.
5. “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville: Melville’s story centers on a passive, enigmatic clerk who refuses to perform his duties, leading to a series of perplexing events. Like “The Gilded Six-Bits,” it explores themes of identity, conformity, and the human condition.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

• Hurston, Zora Neale. The Complete Stories. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 1996. Print.
• Smith, Valerie. Zora Neale Hurston: A Literary Biography. University of Illinois Press, 2007. Print.
• Davis, Thadious M. “Zora Neale Hurston: ‘A Negro Way of Saying’.” Black American Literature Forum, vol. 14, no. 2, 1980, pp. 69-75. JSTOR.
• Cain, William E. “Judith Saunders. American Classics: Evolutionary Perspectives.” Evolutionary Studies in Imaginative Culture 3.1 (2019): 143-146.
• https://aalbc.com/authors/article.php?id=2126

Representative Quotations from “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Zora Neale Hurston

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“It was a Negro yard around a Negro house in a Negro settlement that looked to the payroll of the G. and G. Fertilizer works for its support.”	This opening line sets the scene and establishes the setting as a predominantly African American community reliant on the local fertilizer works for employment.	Hurston introduces the racial and economic dynamics that shape the characters’ lives and interactions.
“The front yard was parted in the middle by a sidewalk from gate to doorstep, a sidewalk edged on either side by quart bottles driven neck down into the ground on a slant.”	The description of the front yard with quart bottles lining the sidewalk provides a visual image of the modest yet creatively decorated surroundings.	Hurston employs vivid imagery to illustrate the humble yet vibrant nature of the characters’ environment.
“Missie May was bathing herself in the galvanized washtub in the bedroom. Her dark-brown skin glistened under the soapsuds that skittered down from her washrag.”	This passage depicts Missie May bathing, emphasizing her physical beauty and sensuality.	Hurston highlights Missie May’s allure and vitality, setting the stage for the relationship dynamics that unfold later in the story.
“Missie May promptly appeared at the door in mock alarm.”	Missie May’s playful response to Joe’s gesture of throwing silver dollars into the house exemplifies the couple’s lighthearted and affectionate dynamic.	This interaction reveals the playful and affectionate nature of Missie May and Joe’s relationship, characterized by mutual teasing and enjoyment.
“But before she could tie her slippers, there came the ring of singing metal on wood. Nine times.”	The ringing of the metal coins signals Joe’s arrival with his weekly gesture of throwing silver dollars into the house for Missie May.	The repetition of this ritual reinforces the couple’s tradition and the significance of Joe’s symbolic gesture of love and affection.
“He smiled indulgently and let his wife go through all of his pockets and take out the things that he had hidden for her to find.”	Joe’s indulgence in allowing Missie May to rifle through his pockets underscores the playful and affectionate nature of their relationship.	This moment highlights the couple’s intimacy and familiarity, as well as Joe’s enjoyment in surprising and delighting his wife.
“Joe laughed and hugged her.”	Joe’s laughter and affectionate gesture toward Missie May demonstrate his love and appreciation for her.	Despite their playful banter, Joe’s actions convey genuine affection and warmth toward Missie May.
“He just had time to drop back into his seat before Missie May came in dressed to go.”	Missie May’s readiness to accompany Joe to the ice cream parlor exemplifies her eagerness to spend time with him and enjoy their shared moments together.	This scene highlights the couple’s anticipation of a simple yet meaningful outing and reinforces their bond and affection for each other.