week 2

Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

· Textbook (Foster): Chapter 19

· Textbook (Charters): 

· Zora Neale Hurston – “The Gilded Six-Bits”

· Lecture 1, 2, 3

Introduction Every setting in a story carries certain associations that an author uses to establish a certain atmosphere. Characters in the story respond to the setting, because the characters have feelings; and you respond to the setting, too, when you enter into the world of the story.  

Initial Post Instructions Examine how setting creates a feeling or atmosphere for you the reader and for the characters in Hurston’s story. How do you think setting influenced the feelings and actions of the characters? 

Secondary Post Instructions Different readers are likely to have different feelings about setting.  Select two classmates’ scenarios about setting and agree or disagree with their depiction. How would changing an element or two of the setting create a different atmosphere or feeling for the reader or characters? 

Writing Requirements

· In addition to one initial post, respond to at least two peers.

· Initial Post Length: minimum of 250 words

· Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per post

· Using APA format, incorporate appropriate in-text citation(s) referring to the academic concept with corresponding works cited page for the initial post.

Grading and Assessment Meeting the minimum number of postings does not guarantee an A; you must present an in-depth discussion of high quality, integrate sources to support your assertions, and refer to peers’ comments in your secondary posts to build on concepts. 

Course Learning Outcome(s): 1, 2, 3 1.   Gain an appreciation for short stories, their themes, and the social or political backdrops against which they were written. 2.   Improve interpretive and critical thinking skills through reading, discussion, and writing. 3.   Evaluate the works' importance to readers on emotional, artistic, social, and literary levels. 

First:

The setting of a story indeed creates certain feelings for the characters and us that develops a certain atmosphere that may change throughout the story, which sometimes has an emotional or shocking effect.  I believe the emotional connection we develop throughout a story is greatly affected when the atmosphere and characters action change.  In Hurston’s story, ‘The Gilded Six-Bits,” the atmosphere changes several times, causing many different emotions for the characters and myself.  As the story begins, Hurston describes the “perfect” married couple filled with happiness, joy and love committed to one another living in an ideal home who seemed to have it all going for them (Hurston, 1933, pp. 421-422).  The atmosphere is filled with cheerfulness and pleasure, I felt a sense of comfort as I viewed them as having an amazing and healthy relationship.  There was a sense of contentment and delightfulness that overcame my heart, especially in a world today that cheating on a spouse or significant other and divorce is such a norm.

However, the atmosphere was struck with a devastating storm and an uneasiness arose throughout the characters. Joe introduced his wife, Missie May, to Otis D. Slemmons who opened up an ice cream parlor in their town and was portrayed as a wealthy man, wearing his up to date clothes and flashing all his gold to all the women (Hurston, 1933, pp.423).  It would be that one day that all that happiness and love vanished from the atmosphere as betrayal and disloyalty filled the air.  The disappointment and anger of Joe surfaced when he caught his wife, who he thought was loyal and committed to their relationship, cheating on him with Otis Slemmons, and soon after learned his wife was pregnant but uncertain if the child would belong to him or Otis (Hurston, 1933, pp. 427).  The atmosphere was greatly affected by the character’s actions, Joe became distant, silent and untrustworthy of his wife. The house that once was filled with laughter and love was now quiet and unwarming to my heart. I find it pretty powerful that Hurston used a female figure to be disgraceful and commit adultery because it seems that it is usually the male figure that is guilty of such.  Women tend to be more virtuous and caring.  I was caught off guard with Hurston’s choice of the guilty party, because I typically see the male being treachery.  I have seen in my life far too many relationships crumble because men have stepped out on their wives.  This story is transparent to real-life besides in the story the female engaged in infidelity, but I believe Hurston was making a statement, that betrayal and disloyalty may be provoked by either gender. 

The characters altered the setting one last time at the conclusion of the story when the darkness was filled with light and joy once again.  The silence and distance became of great joy and happiness when Joe figured out the baby was truly his.  The setting seemed to be of forgiveness.  Although Missie May may have caused Joe a great deal of pain and suffering, making their marriage weak at one time, Joe was able to surpass the mistake she made and forgive her.  Foster stated, “Geography may define and even develop characters (Foster, 2017).  I believe this is clearly present in this story.  The unthinkable act of adultery that Missie May committed, may have played an impactful factor in the growing and developing of Joe’s forgiveness, and the development of a stronger and healthier relationship between the couple.  They were blessed with a precious child, which brought great happiness and joy to both.  The relationship once again resembled a “perfect” relationship between the wife and husband. 

Foster, T. C. (2017). How to read literature like a professor: a lively and entertaining guide to reading between the lines. New York, NY: Harper, an imprint of Harper Collins.

Hurston, Z. N. (1933). The Gilded Six-Bits. In Charters, A. (Ed.). (2015). The story and its writer: An introduction to short fiction, Compact 9th Ed.  (pp. 421-429). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Second: