Their Eyes Were Watching God

Historical Context and Significance

Written by Zora Neale Hurston in 1937, «Their Eyes Were Watching God» is a significant work of African American literature and the Harlem Renaissance. The book tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman striving to find her identity and independence in a world where her rights and freedoms are limited. Hurston uses a unique dialect and rich folklore to convey the authenticity and depth of African American culture. The novel was underrated in its time but later gained recognition for its innovative portrayal of female strength and the struggle for self-realization. It has had a significant influence on subsequent generations of writers and has become an important text in the study of African American literature and feminism.