Their Eyes Were Watching God Summary and Overview

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Their Eyes Were Watching God: Summary and Overview of Zora Neale Hurston’s Novel 1

Their Eyes Were Watching God: Summary and Overview of Zora Neale Hurston’s Novel 1

Background Information on Author Zora Neale Hurston was born in Eatonville, Florida in 1891.

Background Information on Author Zora Neale Hurston was born in Eatonville, Florida in 1891. She lived in an all African-American community for her childhood years. She wrote several novels and short stories. Her writing helped shape future female African-American writers’ approach to authorship and development of identity. She was a writer, anthropologist and political activist. 2

Harlem Renaissance Lasted from 1919 -1937. Goals of the Harlem Renaissance: n To respond

Harlem Renaissance Lasted from 1919 -1937. Goals of the Harlem Renaissance: n To respond to the social conditions of African. Americans; n To break with the 19 th century minstrel stereotypes of African-Americans; n To place greater emphasis on black folk culture; n To provide political and social uplift for African. Americans through social programs such as the NAACP. 3

Zora Neale Hurston’s Influence on the Harlem Renaissance Their Eyes Were Watching God is

Zora Neale Hurston’s Influence on the Harlem Renaissance Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered the last text of the Harlem Renaissance. Her portrayal of an African. American female able to define herself outside of social conventions and stereotypes has provided a model for modern African Americans seeking their identities in unconventional roles. 4

Feminist Issues in TEWWG Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered the first modern

Feminist Issues in TEWWG Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered the first modern feminist text by an African-American. The novel describes Janie’s search to find her identity and voice apart from the men in her life. Over time, Janie finds her voice through her femininity and through her community. Janie chooses to work outside the home to find purpose outside of domestic life. 5

Hurston’s Views of the South Zora Neale Hurston believed that authentic black culture can

Hurston’s Views of the South Zora Neale Hurston believed that authentic black culture can only be found in the south. Hurston opposed the integrationist measures implemented in the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, seeing integration as a way for cultural values to become tainted. Hurston became a spokeswoman for the first integrated all-black community, Eatonville, Florida. 6

Regional Dialect as a Form of Realism Hurston employed regional black dialect in her

Regional Dialect as a Form of Realism Hurston employed regional black dialect in her writing. Hurston chose to do this because she wanted to portray African-Americans as they appeared in some southern areas of the United States. Realism includes dialect, local color and familial settings. 7

Parallels From Their Eyes to Hurston’s Life Janie married several times, as did Zora

Parallels From Their Eyes to Hurston’s Life Janie married several times, as did Zora Neale Hurston was often poor financially like Janie. Hurston and Janie each search for identity as black women. Hurston had an affair with a young man, as with Janie’s affair with Tea Cake in the novel. 8

Trailer for TEWWG https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=s. JG 3 Z 45 Ha. IE

Trailer for TEWWG https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=s. JG 3 Z 45 Ha. IE 9