What is the main theme of The Gilded Six-Bits?
“The Gilded Six-Bits” is a story full of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. It portrays the life of two happy newlyweds who both test their relationship and their love for one another when a charismatic outsider comes into their community and into their home.
What is the conflict in The Gilded Six-Bits?
The conflict comes from Joe’s admiration of the man and Missie’s subsequent attempt to get money from him. Unfortunately, her exchange of goods with Slemmons doesn’t work out as planned.
What is the setting of The Gilded Six-Bits?
Like many of Zora Neale Hurston’s stories and novels, “The Gilded Six-Bits” (1933) is set in Eatonville, Florida—which just so happened to be the first all black town to incorporate in the USA. The story follows a young, recently wed couple—Joe and Missie May.
What does Slemmons represent in The Gilded Six-Bits?
Slemmons represents temptation and greed to both Joe and Missie May. When Joe first describes Slemmons to Missie May, he is envious of the man’s appearance of wealth. He compares himself to Otis D.
Do bits and six bits definition?
dated 75 cents (0.75 US dollars). A “bit” was a former unit of currency equal to one-eighth of a dollar, used until the US adopted decimal currency in 1794. The term survived into the 20th century, especially in reference to 25 cents (“two bits”). Primarily heard in US.
What happens at the end of the Gilded Six Bits?
After dealing with lies and deceit, adultery and betrayal, Missie and Joe are able to move on—thanks to the arrival of a brand new baby boy. How do we know this? We know because in the last scene of the story, Joe comes back with presents for both his wife and son.
What is the climax of the Gilded Six bit?
The climax occurs when Joe comes home to find Missie May chopping wood. She is pregnant. He takes the axe from her and finishes chopping the wood, telling her, “You ain’t got no business choppin’ wood, and you know it.” Here, he demonstrates his concern for Missie May and the child in her womb.
Why is the story called The Gilded Six Bits?
The title refers to a cheap coin gilded to appear gold. In the story, it is the coin that Missie May receives for sex, but it is also a symbol for the risk of being taken in by flashy appearances.
What was the Gilded Six-Bits a symbol of?
deception
The six-bits is a symbol of deception. It’s also used by Hurston as a warning that appearances are not always what they seem and that both Joe and Missie made the mistake of thinking that money leads to happiness.
What does six-bits represent in the story?
In the context of the story, the six-bit represents appearance versus reality, and the danger of getting caught up in material possessions.
How much was a bit in the Old West?
In early America, “bit” was used for some Spanish and Mexican coins that circulated and were worth one-eighth of a peso, or about 12 and one-half cents. Hence, two bits would have equaled about 25 cents.
Why is 25 cents called 2 bits?
The origin of bit comes from the practice of cutting the Spanish dollar (peso) into eight radial pieces to make change. Thus, twenty-five cents was dubbed “two bits,” as it was a quarter of a Spanish dollar. Because there was no one-bit coin, a dime (10c) was sometimes called a short bit and 15c a long bit.