The Gilded Six Bits
by Zora Neale Hurston

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The Gilded Six Bits: Situational Irony 1 key example

Key Examples in The Gilded Six Bits

Situational Irony
Explanation and Analysis—Missie May’s Infidelity:

The situational irony at the heart of “The Gilded Six-Bits” is the fact that Missie May cheats on her loving partner Joe with the deceitful Slemmons. Readers do not see this coming because the narrator has painted a very compelling portrait of a couple very much in love—Missie May and Joe playfully banter together, consistently affirm their care for each other, and seem to have a problem-free relationship. Missie May even tells Joe directly that she thinks he is perfect the way that he is when he expresses insecurity about his appearance and wealth in comparison to Slemmons's.