Betrayal is almost a character itself in "The Gilded Six Bits," and we don't realize the threat until Slemmons shows up. When Joe catches Missie and Slemmons in his home, the feelings of disloyalty, treachery and disappointment is felt like a hot comb through tangled hair. Betrayal causes Joe to rethink his marriage, to stay away from Missie, and to doubt that the baby she carries is his. Missie May wants to prove her love to Joe but goes about it in a dishonest way.
Questions About Betrayal
- Are you surprised by Missie's betrayal of Joe?
- Do you consider Missie a fallen woman or a prostitute? Why or why not?
- Are there any clues from the story that Missie will be unfaithful?
- Is Missie a bad person? Is she a bad wife? Explain.
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Hurston makes Missie the adulteress because a cheating male is not as effective or surprising in literature (and life).
There are no major repercussions to Missie's betrayal; sometimes cheating can lead to good.