The Gilded Six-Bits Themes
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...
Marriage
The institution of marriage is
turned upside down in "The Gilded Six-Bits," but not at first. In the
beginning, Missie and Joe seem to have it all—a house, good food, a playful and
easy way of in...
Betrayal
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...
Repentance/Forgiveness
In "The Gilded Six Bits," Missie's fall from grace
and Joe's eventual forgiveness of her sin (sleeping with Slemmons) adds complex
layers to the story. Hurston takes special care not to judge Missi...