Zora Neale Hurston "A Genius of the South"

Zora Neale Hurston is a trailblazer. Back then people ridiculed her, but she felt the pride and dignity within herself. She was seen as an African-American grandmother in many images of black women writers (Showalter 221). Her talent for African-American literature excited the new readers who were constantly reading her literary works (“Hurston,” Feminist). Occasionally, both black and white supporters reviewed her books (McKay). She demonstrates a larger pattern of white American culture to be substantially inspiring in her interest with politics (“Hurston,” Authors). The works of Hurston would affect on her literary work that is shared through others. Understanding Zora Neale Hurston’s typical themes and concerns in her body of literary work not only helps her readers analyze her short story, “Sweat,” but also helps readers appreciate Hurston’s significance in the canon of women’s writing.

Hurston’s career appeared at the paths of her success as a writer and an anthropologist (“Hurston,” Gale). Her first short story, known as “John Redding Goes to Sea,” was produced in a literary magazine during her career (“Hurston,” Authors). The publication settled in the month of May 1921 (Reuben). Hurston did a fantastic job getting an attention to the best writer and professor, Alain Locke (Reuben). Anthropology enriched and explored her literary skills of becoming a writer (“Hurston,” Gale). Even though she had failed between her career, she still restored herself to write throughout that led her to become a professional and publish nonfiction articles in national magazines (“Hurston,” Authors). Short stories and essays are also issued in journals like Opportunity and The Crisis (Reuben). Her personal life and professional career were w...

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Showalter, Elaine, Lea Baechler, and A. Walton. Litz. “Zora Neale Hurston.” Modern American Women Writers. New York: Scribner, 1991. 221+. Print.

“Zora Neale Hurston.” Authors and Artists for Young Adults. Vol. 71. Gale, 2006. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 4 Feb. 2011.

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