What Is The Main Issue Of The Gilded Six Bits?

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What is the main issue of “The Gilded Six-Bits”? Is the focus on adultery and the morality of relationships or is the focus on money and the effects of capitalism? How is the issue of race treated in “The Gilded Six-Bits” – particularly in the treatment of Otis’s past?

What is Joe waiting for in order to forgive Missy May in “The Gilded Six-Bits”? How does period of deliberation affect his forgiveness of her – does it make more or less sincere? What does this say about their relationship going into the future?

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The central issue of Zora Neale Hurston's short story “The Gilded Six-Bits” revolves primarily around the themes of materialism, morality, and race within the context of African American life in the early 20th century. The story explores whether the narrative emphasizes the moral implications of adultery and the integrity of personal relationships or whether it primarily critiques the pervasive influence of capitalism and its impact on individuals’ values. Furthermore, the treatment of race, particularly concerning Otis D. Slemmons’s character and his past, offers insight into societal perceptions and racial dynamics prevalent during the period.

At first glance, “The Gilded Six-Bits” seems to weave a narrative that centers on fidelity and morality, exemplified by the relationship between Joe and Missy May. The story features Joe's suspicion and eventual realization about Slemmons's duplicity—reminding readers of the fragility of trust in relationships tainted by betrayal. This moral concern is intertwined with the broader critique of capitalism, as Slemmons's obsession with wealth and material rewards symbolizes the corrupting influence of money on moral values. His character’s pursuit of riches and superficial grandeur highlights how capitalism can distort personal priorities, making monetary gain a substitute for genuine human connection and integrity.

Regarding the issue of race, the story subtly addresses racial perceptions and stereotypes of the time. Otis D. Slemmons, a black man portrayed as success-driven and obsessed with material wealth, is depicted with complex undertones. His past is marked by a desire to elevate his social status, which may be viewed through a racial lens as a commentary on the aspirations and limitations faced by African Americans in a racially stratified society. The treatment of Otis reflects a societal tendency to judge by appearances and success, with his past revealing the tension between self-advancement and societal acceptance. It also raises questions about racial authenticity, identity, and the societal expectations placed upon African Americans to prove their worth in a racially biased environment.

Turning to the relationship between Joe and Missy May, the story also depicts how forgiveness develops over time. Joe’s hesitation and the period of deliberation before forgiving Missy May serve as a reflection of his internal moral struggle and understanding of human imperfection. This waiting period seems to temper his response, making his eventual forgiveness more nuanced and sincere. It is not a hasty act but one born of reflection, indicating a mature recognition of forgiveness as a complex moral choice. Their relationship’s future appears to be grounded in this renewed understanding—highlighting a theme of resilience and the potential for reconciliation despite betrayal’s pain.

Overall, “The Gilded Six-Bits” is a layered narrative that examines the powerful influence of materialism, morality, and race, providing insights into how these issues intertwine in shaping individual identities and community perceptions. Hurston's portrayal encourages readers to reflect on the human capacity for forgiveness, the societal pressures related to race and class, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals living in a society driven by capitalism.

References

• Hurston, Z. N. (1933). “The Gilded Six-Bits.”
• Gates, H. L. (2014). The Signifying Monkey: A Theory of African-American Literary Criticism. Oxford University Press.
• Walker, A. (1992). The Color Purple. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
• Fanon, Frantz. (1967). Black Skin, White Masks. Grove Press.
• Bell, D. A. (1992). Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism. Basic Books.
• Johnson, M. (2014). Race, Class, and Power in America. Routledge.
• Gordon, L. (2017). Capitalism and its Discontents: A Critical Overview. Harvard University Press.
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• Gilroy, P. (2000). The Black Atlantic: Modernity and Double Consciousness. Harvard University Press.