Zora Neale Hurston Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Zora Neale Hurston?

Zora Neale Hurston was a renowned American author, anthropologist, and activist who lived from 1891-1960. She is most famous for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God and her short story Sweat, both of which are considered to be literary classics. Her work was groundbreaking in that it addressed topics such as race, gender and class in an honest way at a time when those issues were largely ignored or glossed over. In addition to being a talented writer, Hurston was also an outspoken advocate for civil rights, especially during the Jim Crow era.Hurston grew up in rural Florida during the early 20th century and experienced firsthand the pervasive racism of the times. She graduated from Howard University and went on to pursue graduate studies at Barnard College where she became the first African American woman to do so. Despite graduating with honors she struggled to find steady employment as many employers refused to hire black women because of their skin color. During this time she began writing short stories about life in the South which were published by magazines like The Crisis and Opportunity: A Journal of Negro Life. Her career eventually led her to New York City where she befriended several notable figures including Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and Wallace Thurman. Here she was able to further hone her craft by attending lectures given by prominent authors such as Alain Locke and James Weldon Johnson along with attending various Harlem Renaissance events such as parties hosted by Zora Neale Hurston herself. With their help she was able to publish some of her most famous works including Jonah’s Gourd Vine (1934), Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) ,and Mules & Men (1935). Besides being known for her writing skills Zora Neale Hurston is also widely recognized for being one of the most vocal advocates for civil rights before World War II even began. As well as working alongside organizations like The NAACP ,she often took part in protests against white supremacy and segregation laws even though it put her personal safety at risk on multiple occasions. She challenged ideas about race through her writing which made people both uncomfortable but also inspired them take action against oppression. Through works such as Their Eyes Were Watching God Zora Neale Hurston has left an incredible legacy that will remain alive long after we are gone.