Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author, anthropologist, and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, best known for her contributions to literature that celebrate African American culture and folklore. Her most famous work, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', explores themes of race, gender, and self-identity while showcasing the unique voices and experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century. Hurston's work played a pivotal role in elevating the status of African American literature and arts.

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 America.
2. Her anthropological work included field studies in Haiti and among African American communities in Florida, where she gathered oral histories and folklore.
3. Hurston's writing style is known for its rich use of dialect and authentic voice, which helped convey the culture and experiences of African Americans.
4. Despite facing criticism during her lifetime, particularly for her portrayal of Black life, Hurston's work has experienced a resurgence in popularity since the late 20th century.
5. She was a strong advocate for racial pride and empowerment through literature, influencing generations of writers and thinkers who followed her.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing influence her writing and perspectives on African American culture?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, a pioneering all-Black community, deeply influenced her writing by providing a rich backdrop of African American culture and social dynamics. This environment allowed her to observe and appreciate the vibrancy of Black life, which she later depicted in her literary works. Her experiences with diverse local dialects and customs shaped her unique voice and narrative style that celebrates rather than vilifies the complexities of Black identity.
• In what ways did Zora Neale Hurston contribute to the Harlem Renaissance movement, and how was her work received during that time?
  • Zora Neale Hurston significantly contributed to the Harlem Renaissance by infusing her literature with authentic portrayals of African American life and folklore. Her novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' emerged as a seminal work during this period but faced mixed reception due to its divergence from contemporary expectations of racial representation. While some critics appreciated her boldness in addressing female empowerment and cultural richness, others criticized her for what they perceived as a lack of political consciousness.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Zora Neale Hurston's work on contemporary discussions about race and gender within American literature.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's work has had a profound impact on contemporary discussions surrounding race and gender in American literature by challenging traditional narratives that often marginalized or misrepresented African American voices. Her emphasis on individuality and self-identity paved the way for future authors to explore nuanced portrayals of Black women's experiences. Today, her legacy is evident in the works of modern writers who draw inspiration from her courage to write authentically about their cultures while addressing complex societal issues related to race and gender.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural and artistic explosion among African Americans in the 1920s, centered in Harlem, New York, that celebrated black cultural identity through literature, music, and art.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community passed down through generations, which Hurston often incorporated into her literary works to reflect African American culture.

Anthropology: The study of human societies and cultures, which Hurston practiced as she collected and documented African American folklore, contributing to both her literary themes and academic work.