Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent African American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker, best known for her contributions to literature during the Harlem Renaissance and for her depictions of African American culture in the early 20th century. Her work reflected the struggles and experiences of black individuals, particularly in the South, while also challenging racial stereotypes and celebrating black identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, and grew up in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-black towns in the U.S.
2. Hurston studied anthropology at Barnard College under Franz Boas and used her anthropological training to collect and document African American folklore.
3. She published over four novels and numerous short stories and essays, with her writing often blending fiction with elements of folklore and cultural commentary.
4. Hurston faced significant challenges during her lifetime, including racial prejudice and gender discrimination, which impacted the reception of her work during her era.
5. Despite initially falling into obscurity after her death in 1960, Hurston's work experienced a resurgence in the 1970s, leading to her recognition as one of the most important figures in American literature.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's work contribute to the understanding of African American culture during her time?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's work was pivotal in highlighting the complexities of African American culture and identity. Through her novels and folklore collections, she provided an authentic representation of black life in the South. Her focus on oral traditions and everyday experiences challenged prevailing stereotypes and showcased the richness of African American heritage, making her contributions essential for understanding the cultural landscape of her era.
• Evaluate how Zora Neale Hurston's experiences as an anthropologist influenced her literary style and themes.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's background in anthropology profoundly shaped her literary style and themes. Her fieldwork allowed her to immerse herself in African American communities, which she reflected in her writing through vivid dialects and authentic characterizations. This anthropological perspective enabled Hurston to portray complex social dynamics within these communities while infusing her stories with elements of folklore that celebrated black culture and traditions.
• Discuss the impact of Zora Neale Hurston's legacy on contemporary African American literature and cultural criticism.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's legacy continues to resonate deeply within contemporary African American literature and cultural criticism. Her unapologetic exploration of black female identity and her celebration of folklore have inspired countless writers to embrace their cultural roots and challenge societal norms. Furthermore, Hurston's narrative style has influenced a generation of authors who strive to portray the richness of African American experiences, ensuring that her voice remains a vital part of ongoing discussions about race, gender, and culture.

Related terms

Their Eyes Were Watching God:

Hurston's most famous novel, published in 1937, which explores the life and self-discovery of a young African American woman named Janie Crawford.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, providing a platform for artists like Hurston to express their identities.

Folklore: The body of traditional beliefs, legends, and practices of a people, which Hurston meticulously studied and incorporated into her literary works to preserve African American culture.