Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author and anthropologist, best known for her contributions to the Harlem Renaissance through her literary works that celebrated African American culture, folklore, and the experiences of black women in America. Her novel, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' remains a seminal piece in American literature, reflecting the complexities of identity and empowerment in the African American community during the early 20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, and later grew up in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-black towns in the United States.
2. She attended Barnard College, becoming one of the first black women to graduate from the institution and studying anthropology under Franz Boas.
3. Hurston's work emphasized the importance of oral storytelling and the rich cultural traditions of African Americans, helping to elevate folk narratives in literature.
4. Her novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' published in 1937, was initially met with mixed reviews but later became a classic in American literature and a key text for feminist studies.
5. Despite facing criticism for her focus on black women's experiences and her rejection of prevailing racial stereotypes, Hurston's legacy has grown significantly over time, influencing generations of writers and thinkers.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing influence her writing and the themes she explored?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, a vibrant all-black community, greatly influenced her writing by immersing her in rich cultural traditions and folklore. This environment allowed her to appreciate the nuances of African American life and inspired her to celebrate these experiences in her work. Her connection to her roots is evident in her focus on identity and empowerment for black women, which became central themes in novels like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God.'
• Discuss how Zora Neale Hurston's contributions during the Harlem Renaissance reflect the movement's broader goals.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's contributions during the Harlem Renaissance reflected the movement's broader goals by championing African American culture and challenging racial stereotypes through her literature. Her emphasis on folk narratives showcased the richness of black life while asserting a distinct cultural identity. By elevating the voices and experiences of black women through characters like Janie Crawford in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' Hurston played a crucial role in reshaping perceptions of African Americans during this transformative period.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Zora Neale Hurston's work on contemporary discussions surrounding race and gender.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's work has had a profound long-term impact on contemporary discussions surrounding race and gender by providing a powerful lens through which to examine black women's experiences. Her refusal to conform to mainstream representations allowed future generations to explore complex identities within the African American community. The resurgence of interest in her writings has spurred critical conversations about intersectionality, cultural heritage, and empowerment in both literary studies and social movements today.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, where African American writers, artists, and musicians sought to redefine their identity and heritage.

Anthropology: The study of human societies and cultures and their development, which Hurston applied to her exploration of African American folklore and traditions.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices of a culture, which Hurston often incorporated into her literary works to celebrate African American heritage.