How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
There was a quick, large movement in the bedroom. A rustle, a thud, and a stealthy silence. The light went out. (69)
Hmm, something's fishy in the Joe and Missie household. Joe's first thought when he gets home early from work is that there's a thief in his house, but it turns out to be none other than Slemmons. This is the first real uh-oh moment of the story, the point when Missie and Joe's marriage is no longer just fun and games.
Quote #5
A howling wind raced across his heart, but underneath its fury he heard his wife sobbing and Slemmons pleading for his life. (72)
The story turns significantly darker as poor Joe is shocked into the realization that his life will never be the same again—or at least not for a long time. After being so happy and thinking about having a baby with Missie, this is a pretty tough moment for Joe as a husband and a man. Talk about a 180-degree turn; poor guy.
Quote #6
"Cause Ah love you so hard and Ah know you don't love me no mo'." (79)
When Missie says this to Joe she's sure that he will never forgive her betrayal and that their marriage is doomed. It's not a crazy thought, either; after all, she did cheat on Joe in their own bed. Still, Hurston keeps us guessing about their fate right until the very end.