The Life of Zora Neale Hurston Born: January 7 th, 1891 Died: January 28 th, 1960

“ I do not belong to that sobbing school of Negrohood who hold that nature somehow has given them a lowdown dirty deal." - Zora Neale Hurston What do you think she means? What is the meaning of a “lowdown dirty deal”?

Zora was a flamboyant woman who always made a scene. She never let anyone lessen her because she was a woman of color. (You go girl!) She was the most significant black female writer during the 1930 ’ s and 40 ’ s. Zora Neal Hurston

Hurston’s Childhood When Zora was 13, her mother passed away. Her father disapproved of any reading or writing of any kind, because he thought that it was the devil’s work. He was determined that Zora become a missionary instead.

Father soon remarried. Zora fought bitterly with stepmother. Zora found herself being passed from relative to relative, while working as a nanny and housekeeper.

 Despite the circumstances, Zora decided to leave her hometown in 1917 to pursue her dream of becoming an acclaimed author/poet.  She went back to high school at the age of 26 (hey! Better late than never! ) to finish up her education. Zora went on to attend Howard Prep School, Howard University, and Barnard College.

The Harlem Renaissance While Zora was in New York during college, The Harlem Renaissance was occurring. This was a time when Blacks stood up for themselves They found ways to express themselves through dance, music, writing, and art

Inspiration from Within Inspiration came from authors of the time, her family and early life, her friends, and the revolutions going on around her. Uses own life’s story as a template, and many of her characters reflect her own life, and her trying experiences. This style is especially prevalent in Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Hurston starts out Their Eyes Were Watching God by depicting Janie very much like herself. In any small town, there is a sense of “small- town gossip.” Especially with her father holding several political positions in Eatonville, the Hurston’s were under constant ridicule, much like the stares and deceiving whispers that Janie receives at the beginning of the novel.

$$ Money Failure $$ Zora published many pieces of amazing literature, but never received proper pay.

According to Oprah Winfrey, Their Eyes Were Watching God is “her favorite love story”

12 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.

13 Feminist Issues in Their Eyes Their Eyes Were Watching God is considered the first modern feminist text by an African- American. Describes main character’s (Janie) search to find her identity and voice apart from her three husbands. Janie leaves her first husband in search of a more fulfilling relationships. Janie finds her voice through her femininity and through her community.

14 Regional Dialect as a Form of Realism Hurston employs regional black dialect in her writing. includes dialect, local color and settings Regional Black Dialect Audio :]

15 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.

16 Black Arts Movement Their Eyes Were Watching God marked the end of the Harlem Renaissance. After this period (post 1937), the Black Arts Movement began, in which African Americans continued to seek a new black aesthetic that captured the emotions, desires and unique talents of blacks in America as they face prejudice.

Student made Their Eyes Were Watching God Movie Trailer!