Illustration of the profile of Janine Crawford and another person facing each other

Their Eyes Were Watching God

by Zora Neale Hurston

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Themes: Harlem Renaissance

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The Harlem Renaissance, which blossomed in Harlem during the 1920s and continued to thrive into the 1930s, was a dynamic era of artistic and intellectual creativity among Black Americans. This movement highlighted the achievements of Black intellectuals and artists. Initially, writers of the Harlem Renaissance sought to challenge racism and convince the white public that Black Americans were far more intelligent than the prevailing stereotypes of being submissive and uninformed. To accomplish this, many early writers within the movement embraced the themes and styles of mainstream white literature.

In contrast, later writers believed that Black American literature should mirror the distinct and difficult realities faced by Black individuals, confronting white audiences with vivid portrayals of harsh racism. Zora Neale Hurston, recognized as the most prominent female figure of the Harlem Renaissance, maintained that the literature of Black Americans should celebrate the speech and traditions of Black people. The use of dialect in Their Eyes Were Watching God generated significant controversy among other Black writers when it was initially published. Many felt that such language, when spoken by Black characters, perpetuated negative stereotypes about Black people being uneducated. Nevertheless, modern critics agree that the novel’s celebration of Black language remains Hurston’s most significant contribution to Black American literature.

Expert Q&A

How does Janie's journey from West Florida to Eatonville to the Everglades symbolize immersion in black culture?

Janie's journey symbolizes her immersion in black culture as she transitions from West Florida, where she is unaware of her racial identity, to Eatonville, an all-black town where she becomes deeply engaged in black community life. In the Everglades, she experiences a diverse, multicultural environment that broadens her understanding. This journey not only immerses her in black culture but also leads to self-actualization and a global perspective, culminating in her spiritual fulfillment and personal growth.

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