Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
When Joe forbids Missie from chopping wood because she's pregnant she asks, "Won't you be glad to have a lil baby chile, Joe?" (109) Why yes, yes he will. The baby boy is undoubtedly a symbol of (re)birth, renewal and second chances.
Missie is saved from further torture and guilt by having Joe's son (as opposed to Slemmons'), and he's able to move on with the help of the new addition to their family. The baby serves as a motivation to stay together, and also a symbol of hope and new beginnings, which we see when Joe goes to Orlando for some shopping:
"Ah got a lil boy chile home now. Tain't a week old yet, but he kin suck a sugar tit and maybe eat one them kisses hisself." (134)
While we definitely wouldn't recommend giving a newborn hard candy, but either way, we're happy that things are working out Joe and Missie in the end.