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Zora neale hurston - the gilded six-bits
Theme of appearance vs reality
Zora neale hurston - the gilded six-bits
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Appearance versus Reality in Alice Walker's and Zora Neale Hurston's Everyday Use and The Gilded Six-Bits
In "The Gilded Six-Bits" it appears that Otis D. Slemmons, the towns newest arrival, is rich, but by closer inspection by Joe Banks and Missie May, is found to be poor. In "Everyday Use," Maggie doesn't appear to be smart enough to honor and appreciate her heritage, but she and not Dee/Wangero is really preserving the family traditions as well as heritage. Both "The Gilded Six-Bits" by Zora Neale Hurston and "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker have the theme of appearance and reality. Hurston and Walker use the theme of appearance versus reality to convey the message that things aren't always as simple as the outward appearances suggest.
The theme of appearance and reality is seen in "The Gilded Six-Bits" upon our first meeting Joe Banks and Missie May. Even out first glimpse into their lives, we don't know they are married. It seems they are only dating. Lillie P. Howard, author of the book Zora Neale Hurston, states, "The Gilded Six-Bits is the story of a beautiful marriage beset by difficulties, of trials and successes, of appearances and reality" (151). Joe admired Slemmons. He says, "Yeah, he's up to date. He got de finest clothes Ah ever seen on a colored man's back" (2089). Joe also admired Slemmons coins "He's got a five-dollar gold piece for a stick pin and he got a ten-dollar gold piece on his watch chain and his mouf is jes' crammed full of gold teethes. Sho wisht it wuz mine" (2089-90). Slemmons gave the impression to Joe and the rest of the town that he had lots of money and expensive jewelry. Joe wants the possessions that Slemmons has, and Missie wants him to have them too.
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