Dec 31, 2009

The Gilded Six-Bits | Themes

Appearances and Reality
Hurston introduces the theme of appearances and reality in the first lines of the story. On the surface of things, the couple's yard is nothing but a ‘‘Negro yard around a Negro house in a Negro settlement that looked to the payroll of the G and G Fertilizer works for its support.’’ But Hurston goes on to welcome readers inside the couple's home, describing their playful battle and teasing affection. What appears on the outside to be modest and meager is, in fact, rich with love and joy in life.

Hurston makes the converse...