Zora Neal Hurston

Paper Summary:

This paper introduces early twentieth century writer, Zora Neal Hurston. It provides a biography of her life in Florida and her interest in Southern black folklore which led to her writing her short novel, "Sweat." This paper analyzes the themes and characters in "Sweat" and then compares the story with another of Hurston's works, her 1937 book "Their Eyes Were Watching God", which was criticized by black readers who felt she did not portray the south realistically. The paper also discusses the revival of an interest in Hurston's literature following a book on her life by famous African-American writer, Alice Walker.

From the Paper:

"The snake theme will weave its way through the story, with "S" words present in nearly every sentence. "A remarkable transformation in iconography can be seen in the prevalence of S, with its resemblance to the snake symbolizing Damballah Wedo, the serpent deity of Voodoo" (Hill 196). Sykes brings home a live rattlesnake to further torment Delia, hoping it will chase her out of the house, but the snake ends up killing Sykes instead, in an ironic twist at the end, and Delia does nothing to stop it. She is finally free of Sykes and his evil, and can continue her life in the little home she has created for herself."

More papers on Zora Neal Hurston:

• Book Review # 102570 : "Zora Neal Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
• Essay # 137658 : "A Character Analysis on the Theme of Gender Roles in Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale-Hurston "
• Analytical Essay # 27592 : "Zora Neale Hurston"

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