Their Eyes Were Watching God: Chapters 1-4

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Until a few years ago, few people knew Zora Neale Hurston's name, let alone recognized a picture of her.

However, thanks to the efforts of several prominent African American writers and literary critics, including Alice Walker, the name and reputation of Zora Neale Hurston are more well-known today than it was during her lifetime.

Had it not been for the efforts of these writers and critics throughout the 1970s, Hurston's biography would remain unknown, and her literary works would be out of print as they were for much of her life.

However, Hurston's work is now widely read in high schools and colleges nationwide as one of the best examples of early twentieth-century writing on the African American woman's experience.

As you read about Hurston's Life, write down the answers to the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

• Why did Hurston create a false story about her birth, which she claimed occurred in Eatonville, Florida?
• Why did Hurston often change the date of her birth?
• How did Hurston's mother's death affect Zora?
• Where did Hurston become acquainted with other notable writers of the Harlem Renaissance?
• How did Hurston's study of anthropology influence her literary works?
• What continuing struggle did Hurston face starting in the 1930s?
• What scandal did Hurston face in 1948?
• What was unusual about Hurston's burial in 1960?

Hurston's life was filled with successes and difficulties, and although she experienced success in mid-life, she died in obscurity and poverty.

Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston's most famous novel, was published in 1937. The book follows the life of Janie Mae Crawford, who is 40 when the novel begins. She recounts her life story to her friend, Pheoby, while sitting on the porch of her house.

As you begin the novel, note the events in Janie's life. Write down at least seven events from the lives of the Crawford women: Janie's grandmother, mother, and Janie herself. You will use these notes to help you answer questions about the reading in the Got It? section.

Read Chapters One through Four of Their Eyes Were Watching God.

If you do not have a copy, you may access Their Eyes Were Watching God online.

When you have finished your reading and taking notes, continue to the Got It? section to explore the beginning of the novel.