The Gilded Six-Bits Essay

The way an authors sequences a story might be as important as the story itself. In Zora Neale Hurston’s short story, “The Gilded Six-Bits,” the American folklorist shares a tale of infidelity, passion, and forgiveness. The story centers on Joe and Missie May, a young and passionate couple living in Eatonville, Florida. Hurston masterfully crafts the plot to develop each storyline, therefore to entice each reader. Through Hurston’s use of foreshadowing, conflict, and resolution, the story showcases the true value of repentance.
Through the use of foreshadowing, Hurston is able to heighten the mood. With a light-hearted tone and an almost adolescent joy, the story introduces the audience to the newlyweds. Their introduction scene filled with innocence and warmth later sidetracks with a conversation on Otis Slemmons. Described as a “heavyset man wid his mouth full gold teeths,” Mr. Slemmons from the beginning has an air of …show more content…
Through the discussion of Otis Slemmons, the sequence of events moves towards its climax through Hurston’s use of the element. When Joe finds Missie May and Slemmons together “the great belt on the wheel of time slipped and eternity stood still” (Hurston 5). Joe “was assaulted in his weakness. Like Samson awakening after his haircut” (Hurston 5). Through the use of a biblical allusion, the reader understands the inner conflict of the scorned man. Conflict is “the central struggle between two or more forces in a story” (K+G 24). The forces in this particular instance are character versus themselves and character versus character. The conflict helps the sequence of the plot as it provides the inner workings of each of the characters. While Missie May weeps, it is Joe who laughs in shock of the incident. Conflict relates to the theme of forgiveness as it demonstrates each party’s participation. Hurston’s use of the element of plot is detrimental to any