The Gilded Six-Bits Theme of Poverty (Class)

Right from the opening paragraph we know that "The Gilded Six-Bits" will focus on a blue collar, African-American community. While Joe and Missie are of the poorer working class, they're certainly not suffering. They've got a house, food, and clothes, and Joe has a full time job at the fertilizer plant. All that they don't have is brought to the forefront with the arrival of Otis Slemmons. He represents a higher class—a more wealthy class—which Joe mistakes for a cooler, whiter, and thus, better class. Joe aspires to be like him, while at first, Missie thinks money isn't going to lead to any happiness. 

1. At the beginning of the story, how do we know what class Joe and Missie belong to?
2. How does Missie and Joe's house highlight their economic situation?
3. Why do you think Joe wants to be like Slemmons? What does he have that Joe doesn't?
4. What is Hurston trying to warn against when it comes to money and appearances?

Living without a lot of money is not an issue until you see someone living with a lot of money.

For African Americans living in the 1930's, the highest (and ultimately unattainable) class to reach was that of upper-class whites.