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This Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston activity also includes:
- “Art and Such” by Zora Neale Hurston, 1938
- Article by Dan Olson about Zora Neale Hurston, 2013
- Article by Shirley Cathcart offering background information
- Photographs from Folk Beliefs of the Southern Negro, 1926
- List of common superstitions in African American folklore, 1936
- Excerpt from a report on the successes and challenges of African American communities after Reconstruction, 1911
- Extracts from an address to Tuskegee students by Booker T. Washington, 1900
- Excerpts from a report on the Robert Hungerford Industrial School in Eatonville, 1903
- Photograph of the Robert Hungerford Industrial School, 1925.
- Photograph of the home of J. E. Clark, postmaster in Eatonville, FL, 1907
- Photograph of the home of S. M. Moseley, mayor of Eatonville, FL, 1907
- Photograph of J.E. Clark's pineapple farm in Eatonville, FL, 1907
- Photograph of the city Council and jail in Eatonville, FL, 1907
- Photograph of the Everglades in Florida
- Activity
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Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their eyes Were Watching God has been highly praised and severely criticized for its depiction of African American folk culture. A set of primary source materials, including photographs, articles, essays, and excerpts from speeches provides readers with background information to understand the debate.
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CCSS:
Adaptable
Concepts
zora neale hurston, their eyes were watching god, the harlem renaissance, women's history month, famous african americans, african american history, african americans, american literature, the great depression, world war ii, propaganda, reconstruction, rhetorical devices, primary source analysis, primary source images, primary sources
Instructional Ideas
- Investigate Hurston's life, her education, and her work as an anthropologist
- Research the history of Eatonville, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Florida migrant workers
- Include in a unit study of the novel, during Women's History and/or Black History month
- Ask readers to craft an essay in which they take a position on the question of the use of folk language, traditions, and interactions in modern films, music, and visual art
Classroom Considerations
- Presumes class members have prior knowledge of the United States Civil War and the Reconstruction Era
- A protocol must be in place for a safe, respectful discussion
Pros
- The teaching guide includes discussion questions and activities
Cons
- None