Sylvester and Clara had a mix of insecurity and disbelief. In the story, Sylvester, like the other men of the town, considers Oyster’s actions to have
been excessive. Meanwhile, Clara feels that Sylvester should follow Oyster’s example and “go get some ‘gumption’” or have some courage to demand equality. However, Sylvester believes that “you can’t live on gumption,” proven by the Oyster family’s present state. The jobs that the men already had were low status, and barely earned them sufficient pay. If Sylvester were to protest anything he feels is not right, he would be risking his home and everything he has worked for. Sylvester did not believe that he should jeopardize what he has to proclaim what he should have.