The Gilded Six Bits
“The Gilded Six-Bits” is a rhythmic story of a young married couple tempted by greed, and together they discover true prosperity. This journey tests their relationship’s endurance and fortitude, almost destroying it. The entire community is African American but depends on a white-owned company, G and G Fertilizer. In spite of this and the fact that they are poor, Missie May and Joe are happy. Painted for us is a picture of contentment and simple happiness. Everything is sparkling clean and in its place, from “the porch and steps scrubbed white” to the “fresh newspaper cut in fancy edge on the kitchen shelves.” On Saturdays, nothing is overlooked. The opening scene is of a place that is peaceful, untainted, and pure. Every Saturday is a joyous occasion for Joe and Missie May; it is the day that Joe gets paid. The couple has a playful battle every week. This begins by Joe chucking nine dollars into the doorway and ends with Missie May riffling through his pockets for candy kisses and other indulgent goodies he has brought for her. This ritual seems to show that the only value of money to the young couple is monetary, they would be just as happy if Joe came home with less or more. Their real happi
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Some common words found in the essay are:
Missie Joe, Joe Missie, Missie Slemmons, Missie Mays, Laughin Nothin, Ah Ah, Slemmons Contrary, Gilded Six-Bits, Joe Joe, Missie Joes, missie joe, gilded half, half piece, gold money, gilded half piece, joe missie, ice cream parlor, slemmons missie, missie slemmons, joe realizes, candy kisses, joe left, gold watch charm, joe missie mays,
Approximate Word count = 1297
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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