Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston is a powerful and poetic novel that has faced challenges and bans over the years. It has been criticized for its use of strong language and sexual content, with some schools and libraries removing it from shelves.
Critics have argued that the book’s honest portrayal of a Black woman’s journey toward independence and self-discovery is too explicit or inappropriate for younger readers. However, many believe these very qualities make the book an essential part of American literature.
The novel tells the story of Janie Crawford, a Black woman in the early 20th-century South, as she searches for love, identity, and freedom. Janie goes through three marriages, each one teaching her something new about herself and the world around her. Through hardships and heartache, she grows into a strong and independent woman who learns to speak in her own voice.
Hurston’s writing captures the richness of Southern Black culture and uses dialect to bring her characters to life. The novel explores themes like love, gender roles, race, and personal strength. Janie’s journey is deeply emotional and inspiring, as she refuses to let society define her life.
Zora Neale Hurston was a writer, anthropologist, and folklorist born in 1891. She was one of the leading voices of the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that celebrated African American culture through art and literature.
Though her work was overlooked for many years, she is now recognized as a literary pioneer. Hurston’s ability to blend culture, language, and powerful storytelling has made her an icon in American literature.
