Genuine Forgiveness, Repression, and Codependence in The Gilded Six-Bits

The evolution of the relationship between Joe and Missie May demonstrates the way that infidelity (and betrayal or serious disappointment) can damage a marital relationship even when the individuals make the conscious decision to remain together. First, in taking his conscious anger out mainly on Slemmons rather than on Missie May, Joe is probably displacing his anger onto the person with whom he does not have a relationship. In a was Missie May whose behavior was worse because only she and not Slemmons who had an intimate relationship with Joe and it was only Missie May who actually owed a duty of honesty and fidelity to Joe.

Joe does decide to stay with Missie May but it is clear that their relationship was changed, at least from his perspective, by virtue of the way that he withdrew physical intimacy as well...
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