Their Eyes Were Watching Godby Zora Neal Hurston

Goin’ fishin’

1937

Zora Neale Hurston

• Fiction, essays, research on Black communities, anthropology

• Died poor and alone

• Novel was not originally well received – why?

• Emerged in late 60’s – new acclaim and widely read – why?

Value of the novel

• Historic example of “black” fiction

• Evocation of feminine self-knowledge

• Great read

• For me? – a moving tribute to “true love”

• Homework- Read the Forward to the novel for class Monday.

Anticipate

• Beautiful American language – both description and dialogue which are rhythmic and euphonious

• Great original characters, especially Janie and Teacake

• Controversy – Is the book relevant to students at Mendham High School?

• Homework – Read Chapter 1 – What questions are in your mind after? What comments can you make? What needs to be resolved?