ZORA NEALE HURSTON

By Kemani Harriott

BIOGRAPHY

Born around 1901 in Eatonville Florida

Attended Morgan State University, Howard University and Barnard College

Zora was an anthropologist.

Her short story “John Redding Goes to Sea” was Published on the Howard University Stylus

Her works “Spunk and Drenched in Light” won second prize for the Opportunity

She died in 1960

HOW IT FEELS TO BE COLORED ME

Theme

The poem is about how Zora felt as a “colored” person. When she was a child it didn’t bother her that she was colored and she didn’t see why it should. Growing up she realized the world had its own way of seeing society and who fit where, but to Zora, everyone has these wonderful qualities and characteristics that are hidden by the color of our skin.

HOW IT FEELS TO BE COLORED ME

Tone

The mood of the poem is sarcastic and humorous. Zora starts off her essay a little gloomy but as you continue reading she writes about her life with humor and doesn’t make the topic as serious as others do . She jokingly talks about herself and her life. I get a feeling of happiness and freedom because I think Zora is a free spirit that went beyond her limits.

HOW IT FEELS TO BE COLORED ME

Technique

-The form of this piece is an expository essay.

-The language she uses in the essay is more distinct and colorful compared to the standard English.

-Some of the Literary devices she used in her essay were Imagery, similes, and metaphors.

HARLEM RENAISSANCE

Zora became a figure of outspokenness in the Harlem Renaissance. She was an inspiration for the younger generation ; She gave them an opportunity to break free from their insecurities and self-consciousness about who they were and what they looked like.