Zora Neale Hurston

Definition

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential African American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker best known for her contributions to literature and the Harlem Renaissance. Her work often explores themes of race, identity, and the African American experience through vibrant narratives and rich cultural expressions, making her a key figure in performance poetry and spoken word traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Zora Neale Hurston was born on January 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, and spent much of her childhood in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-Black towns in the U.S.
2. Her anthropological studies allowed her to collect and preserve African American folklore, which influenced her literary style and thematic focus.
3. Hurston's writing style is characterized by its use of dialect, humor, and deep emotional resonance, often capturing the nuances of Black culture in the early 20th century.
4. She was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance and developed close relationships with other prominent artists and intellectuals of the time, such as Langston Hughes.
5. Despite facing criticism during her lifetime for her unconventional views on race and gender, Hurston's work gained significant recognition posthumously, influencing future generations of writers and performers.

Review Questions

• How did Zora Neale Hurston's background influence her contributions to performance poetry and spoken word?
  • Zora Neale Hurston's upbringing in Eatonville, Florida—a predominantly Black community—profoundly shaped her perspective and artistic voice. Her experiences with folklore and oral traditions inspired her to incorporate elements of performance into her writing. This connection to her roots allowed Hurston to create vivid narratives that reflect the complexities of African American culture and identity through poetic language.
• In what ways did Zora Neale Hurston's work reflect the themes of the Harlem Renaissance?
  • Hurston's work embodies many themes of the Harlem Renaissance, such as racial pride, cultural identity, and the celebration of Black life. Through her use of rich dialects and storytelling techniques, she highlighted the unique experiences of African Americans. Her focus on women's voices and issues also contributed to the broader narrative of the time, emphasizing individuality while addressing societal challenges faced by Black communities.
• Evaluate the impact of Zora Neale Hurston's literary style on contemporary performance poetry and spoken word movements.
  • Zora Neale Hurston's literary style has significantly influenced contemporary performance poetry and spoken word by embracing authenticity through dialect and emotional depth. Her emphasis on storytelling has paved the way for artists who use personal narratives to convey broader social issues. By blending folklore with poetic expression, Hurston’s work encourages modern poets to explore their cultural backgrounds and speak their truths through performance art.

Related terms

Harlem Renaissance:

A cultural movement in the 1920s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, featuring prominent figures like Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington.

Anthropology: The study of humans, societies, and cultures, which Hurston applied to her writing to authentically portray African American life and folklore.

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Hurston's most famous novel published in 1937, which tells the story of Janie Crawford's journey to find her voice and independence within a patriarchal society.