Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author, anthropologist, and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance, known for her contributions to literature that celebrate Black culture and folklore. Her most famous work, 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' is a powerful narrative that explores themes of race, gender, and personal identity, making her an iconic voice in African American literature.

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. Hurston studied anthropology under Franz Boas at Barnard College and used her anthropological background to collect folklore and oral histories from African American communities.
3. Her writing style is characterized by its rich use of dialect and vivid imagery, which brings to life the characters and settings of her stories.
4. Despite her significant contributions to literature and culture during her lifetime, Hurston faced periods of financial hardship and was often overlooked by critics until her work gained renewed recognition in the late 20th century.
5. In addition to 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' Hurston authored several other notable works, including 'Mules and Men' and 'Dust Tracks on a Road,' both of which reflect her commitment to documenting African American life.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's background influence her literary work and the themes she explored?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, a vibrant all-Black community, deeply influenced her writing by providing a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and folklore. Her anthropological studies under Franz Boas allowed her to appreciate and document Black traditions authentically. This background enabled her to explore themes of identity, empowerment, and the complexities of Black womanhood in works like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God,' highlighting the significance of cultural heritage in shaping individual narratives.
• Discuss how Zora Neale Hurston's use of dialect contributes to the themes and characters in her literary works.
  • Hurston's use of dialect is a crucial element in her storytelling that adds authenticity to her characters and highlights the cultural richness of African American life. By employing vernacular speech patterns in her narratives, she allows readers to engage more deeply with the characters' emotions and experiences. This stylistic choice not only brings out the vibrancy of their voices but also reinforces themes of resilience and self-identity within the context of racial struggles.
• Evaluate Zora Neale Hurston's impact on contemporary African American literature and how her legacy continues to influence modern writers.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's impact on contemporary African American literature is profound as she paved the way for future generations of writers to explore Black identities with authenticity and complexity. Her bold exploration of race, gender roles, and personal agency challenges stereotypes and opens up new avenues for storytelling. Modern writers such as Alice Walker and Toni Morrison cite Hurston as an inspiration for their own work, reflecting her lasting influence on literature that celebrates the richness of Black life while addressing social issues.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s that celebrated African American culture and produced notable figures in literature, music, and art.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices of a community that are passed down through generations, often serving as a foundation for cultural identity.

Their Eyes Were Watching God:

Hurston's seminal novel published in 1937 that tells the story of Janie Crawford's journey toward self-discovery and empowerment through her relationships and experiences in early 20th-century Florida.