Analysis Of Gilded Six Bits By Zora Hurston

Perceptions are far from the truth found set forth in actual reality. Sometimes individuals are forced to look beyond stereotypes set forth by society, even if it has been years since they have been stirred up. While reading “Gilded Six Bits” by Zora Hurston, I couldn’t help but think of the drastic change in writing the story took on from a realist point of view to a modernist style of writing.
Revolving around a young and recently married couple, Hurston develops an entertaining short story that explores the idea of a perfect marriage that is forced to cope with betrayal and the process of forgiveness. Newlyweds Joe and Missie May Banks frolic in their newfound marital bliss. They could not be happier with each other and Missie proudly plays trophy wife when Joe takes her out to the ice cream parlor. Unfortunately, the story takes a turn when Slemmons starts chasing after her, promising money in exchange for sex. One night, after getting off work early, Joe discovers his wife in bed with Slemmons and their marriage turns bitter. Joe becomes cold and distant until he realizes Missie is pregnant.

These standards are turned upside down in "The Gilded Six-Bits.” At first, Missie and Joe seem to have it all. The couple has a house, good food, and even a playful way of interacting with one another that seems to form rituals within their relationship. Yet, Missie's idea of being a good wife is making her husband happy and she truly believes what he desires is money. Her ignorance tests their marriage, and Hurston forces readers like me to question how one must handle both the ups and downs in a marriage. When a problem arises, do you forgive and grow, or do you give up everything that you had worked so hard to