How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Youse a pritty man, and if Ah knowed any way to make you mo' pritty still Ah'd take and do it." (42)
Missie says this to Joe and we totally believe her. Up until she meets Slemmons, she thinks Joe is the perfect man and husband. She compliments his looks, his figure, and shows her devotion by keeping house and making delicious meals. She's also super concerned for his happiness, which is why she sleeps with Slemmons in the first place, to get money for Joe. At least, that's what she says. Do we believe her? The jury's still out for us, but what do you think?
Quote #8
Joe laughed and hugged her. "Don't be so wishful 'bout me. Ah'm satisfied de way Ah is. So long as Ah be yo' husband. Ah don't keer 'bout nothin' else." (62)
Umm, talk about mixed signals. Joe's the one who can't stop talking about Slemmons and his clothes, money, women, and gold teeth—but when Missie tells him they could have money, too, he changes his tune and says he's "satisfied." Guess he didn't realize how serious Missie would take his desire to be a rich, important man?
Quote #9
It made him yearn painfully for Missie. Creation obsessed him. He thought about children. (65)
We think it's pretty cool that in this story it's the man who wants the baby. Joe's ready to settle down and start a family with Missie, to the point of being 'obsessed' with the idea. He's definitely not a typical macho guy and we like this softer side of Joe. It's a nice way for Hurston to flip traditional gender roles.