In “The Gilded Six-Bits” by Hurston, alienation could not be more apparent. Missie May and Joe are in a great relationship. Missie mentions how she cleans the house and prepares food to make Joe happy, and Joe is a very loving husband in return. As soon as Missie May is caught having an affair with Slemmons, her and Joe instantly become alienated from one another. The audience sees Missie’s description of their new state, “No need to fling open the front door and sweep off the porch, making it nice for Joe. Never no more breakfast to cook … With this strange man in her bed, she felt embarrassed to get up and dress” (Hurston 889). 

Although they are in this state, they both have memories of their previous relationship, making them feel left out of an experience they know exists. This story is interesting because there is a single event that throws them into alienation. Through time and understanding, they are able to mend their relationship and return to the place they treasured being in.