How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Ah don't see whut de womens see on [Slemmons]. Ah wouldn't give 'im a wink if de sheriff wuz after 'im." (49)
Ironically, this statement comes from Missie—the very person who sleeps with Slemmons later on in the story. Everything she says, up until the point she gets caught, is anti-Slemmons and pro-Joe. We guess in this case, actions really do speak louder than words.
Quote #2
"[Slemmons] got mo' lady people crazy 'bout him than he kin shake a stick at." (52)
Joe makes this observation about Slemmons. If you ask us, we'd be willing to bet Slemmons is so popular with the 'lady people' because of his money. Thanks to Joe's frequent blabbing about Slemmons, we know he's a playboy and a smooth talker—that's partly why he got the attention of Missie May.
Quote #3
"But he sho is got uh heap uh gold on 'im. Dat's de first time Ah ever seed gold money. It looked good on him sho nuff, but it'd look a whole heap better on you." (57)
Missie is star (gold) struck! Before she sees Slemmons in the ice cream parlor, she thinks he's nothing special. We can tell she's changing her mind when she sees his gold money; that might be why she compliments Joe by saying the gold would look better on him. She might be trying to focus her attention back on her husband after being momentarily distracted by another man. We're pretty sure this is some classic foreshadowing in action right here.