How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
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. (2)
Okay, so we know that we're in a less than luxurious neighborhood in a lower class community (Eatonville); however, the fact that Missie and Joe have a house is significant. While they're not wealthy, they've managed to save money. It's a clean, frugal house, as seen with the "quart bottles" driven into the ground as opposed to wood or some other traditional material. We like to call it "making due with what you've got."
Quote #2
"She grabbed the clean mealsack at hand and dried herself hurriedly and began to dress. (7)
We don't know about you, but we've never used any sort of sack to dry ourselves after a bath. Towels are one of those things we think of as a basic necessity, but then again, if a sack works…why not? Hurston uses these tiny details in the home to show that Missie and Joe are not rich, but still, they're not suffering.
Quote #3
"Who dat chunkin' money in mah do'way? [Missie] demanded." (10)
Who indeed. In a kind of weird but kind of romantic tradition, every Saturday Joe throws silver dollars at the doorway for Missie May. It's a cute payday ritual and also an excuse for him to spoil her with small gifts like sweets, soap and chewing gum. Again, Hurston is a master of details; the story would have been a lot different if Joe bought Missie clothes, diamonds or gold…but who wants that stuff anyways? We'd take candy any day.