Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author and anthropologist, known for her works that celebrate African American culture and folklore, particularly in the early 20th century. Her writing, characterized by its use of vernacular language and rich portrayals of black life in the South, helped to shape the Harlem Renaissance and left a lasting impact on American literature.

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, which became the setting for much of her work.
2. Hurston studied anthropology under Franz Boas at Barnard College, using her research to inform her writing and preserve African American folklore.
3. She faced significant challenges during her career, including poverty and limited recognition during her lifetime, but has since been celebrated as a pioneering figure in American literature.
4. Her unique narrative style, which blended folk traditions with literary techniques, has influenced countless writers and contributed to the authenticity of African American voices in literature.
5. Zora Neale Hurston passed away on January 28, 1960, in relative obscurity but was rediscovered in the late 20th century as a key figure in both feminist literature and African American studies.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's background and education influence her writing style and themes?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, a predominantly black town, deeply influenced her literary voice by providing her with rich cultural material. Her education in anthropology under Franz Boas at Barnard College allowed her to incorporate elements of folklore into her work. This blend of personal experience and academic training shaped her unique narrative style that emphasized authenticity and celebrated African American culture.
• In what ways did Zora Neale Hurston's work contribute to the Harlem Renaissance and the portrayal of African American life?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's work was integral to the Harlem Renaissance as she brought attention to the complexities of African American identity through her focus on Southern black culture. By using vernacular language and storytelling techniques from folklore, she created authentic representations of black life that challenged stereotypes. Her novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' exemplifies this by presenting a strong female protagonist navigating love and self-identity against a backdrop of racial struggles.
• Evaluate the impact of Zora Neale Hurston's legacy on contemporary literature and feminist discourse.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's legacy has profoundly influenced contemporary literature by paving the way for future generations of writers to explore themes of race, gender, and identity. Her emphasis on strong female characters and celebration of black culture has resonated within feminist discourse as it highlights the intersectionality of race and gender. Today, authors often cite Hurston as an inspiration for their work, reflecting her lasting impact on both literary scholarship and social movements focused on empowerment and representation.

Related terms

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Hurston's most famous novel, published in 1937, which tells the story of Janie Crawford's journey toward self-discovery and empowerment through her relationships and experiences.

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural movement in the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, significantly influencing the development of modern American culture.

Folklore: The traditional beliefs, customs, stories, songs, and practices of a culture that Hurston often incorporated into her writing to highlight African American heritage.