Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston is an American author who is widely recognized as being a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance. She was born January 7, 1891 in Eatonville, Florida, which would later serve as inspiration for some of her works. Hurston’s most notable works are the novels Their Eyes Were Watching God and Their Golden Lamps Were All Alight.

Hurston was an independent and determined woman who lived her life on her own terms. She was passionate about literature and culture and often used those themes in her writing. Her unique perspective enlightened readers to the point of view of African American women. Her writing was both influential and controversial during the early 20th century.

At the start of her career, Hurston attended Howard University and Barnard College. Here, she studied classical languages and anthropology, eventually earning a master’s degree in 1925. From there, she began writing plays, short stories, and novels.

Their Eyes Were Watching God is one of Hurston’s most famous works. This novel is about Janie Crawford, an African American woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. During this journey, she experiences hardships and joy alike that eventually lead her to understanding her place in the world. The themes of love, race, identity, and feminism play an important role in the story. Hurston was praised for her portrayals of strong female characters and their struggles.

Another popular novel of Hurston’s is Their Golden Lamps Were All Alight. This work focuses on the town of Eatonville, which is a fantasy representation of Hurston’s childhood hometown. In this work, Hurston brings to life the peculiarities of the town, its characters and its relationships with laughter. Its whimsical stories capture the African American experience in the south at the time, while also emphasizing its comedy.

Overall, Zora Neale Hurston is considered one of the most important authors of the Harlem Renaissance. Her opinionated nature and vivid writing style have made her works timeless. She opened the door to observe life through an African American woman’s perspective and allowed readers to gain insight, understanding, and ultimately acceptance. Her novel Our Eyes Were Watching God and play Mule Bone are some of her best-known works. Through her works, Hurston provided an important piece of our culture and history, as well as a permanent cultural legacy.