Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker, best known for her contributions to literature during the Harlem Renaissance. She captured the experiences of Black women in America through her vivid storytelling, exploring themes of race, gender, and culture while preserving African American folklore and heritage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, but she grew up in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-Black towns in the United States.
2. She studied anthropology at Barnard College under Franz Boas and used her academic background to enrich her literary work with cultural context.
3. Her writing style was characterized by its use of dialect and deep exploration of African American folklore, bringing authentic voices to her characters.
4. In addition to writing novels and short stories, Hurston also conducted extensive ethnographic research and published works on African American folklore.
5. Despite facing criticism during her lifetime for her portrayal of Black life and women's experiences, she has since become a revered figure in American literature and a symbol of Black feminist thought.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's background influence her literary voice and themes?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida—a predominantly Black community—greatly shaped her literary voice. Her experiences allowed her to authentically represent Black culture and traditions. Studying anthropology provided her with tools to explore complex themes of identity, race, and gender in her works. By drawing from her personal history and cultural heritage, Hurston's writing vividly reflects the lives and struggles of Black women in America.
• What role did Zora Neale Hurston play in the Harlem Renaissance, and how did it impact her work?
  • During the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston emerged as a central figure among artists celebrating African American culture. This vibrant movement inspired her to highlight Black voices and experiences through literature. The camaraderie with fellow writers and artists helped shape her identity as a storyteller. Her contributions during this era not only enriched the literary landscape but also laid the groundwork for future generations of Black writers who would follow in her footsteps.
• Evaluate Zora Neale Hurston's impact on cultural preservation within African American communities through her literary contributions.
  • Zora Neale Hurston played a pivotal role in preserving African American culture by capturing its folklore through storytelling and ethnographic research. Her works reflected authentic dialects and traditions that might have otherwise been forgotten. By documenting these cultural elements in a literary form, she not only celebrated Black heritage but also ensured its survival for future generations. This commitment to cultural preservation reinforced her significance as both an author and anthropologist within African American history.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural and artistic movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American culture, art, and literature, with New York's Harlem as its focal point.

Their Eyes Were Watching God:

Zora Neale Hurston's most famous novel, published in 1937, which tells the story of Janie Crawford and her quest for identity and self-realization.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices of a culture passed down orally through generations, often highlighting the values and experiences of that community.