Greed might be one theme of Zora Neale Hurston's "The
Gilded Six-Bits" -- to me, 'reconciliation' or 'trust and betrayal' might be a more
precisely worded theme -- but it's not the plot. At least not according to the
definition of "plot" that I know.
Plot can be defined
as the series of events in a story that, taken together, achieve the overall effect or
theme of the story. The plot summary thus might begin: A newly wedded couple lives a
happy, playful life until a sophisticated stranger comes to town. ... A good plot
summary should leave out small details (e.g. the ice cream parlor and other settings
might be unimportant) but should mention important plot devices, such as the gilded
coin.
The coin is both a plot device and a symbol, I think.
The coin seems to haunt Missie May, maybe like her bad conscience, just as it seems to
be Joe's way of showing he's been hurt and hasn't forgotten his wife's transgression
without having to say a word.
I hope that these comments
are helpful!
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