Questions on Zora Neale Hurston

Grades 3-5

What do writers do, and why are books important?
Why do you think Zora Neale Hurston was an important writer?
What challenges do you think she faced as a Black woman writer?
How do stories help us learn about different cultures?
Why do you think it’s important to tell stories about Black history and culture?
If you could write a story, what would it be about?
Have you ever read a book that made you think differently? What was it about?
How do books help us understand other people’s experiences?
Why is it important to see characters in books who look like you?
What does it mean to be a pioneer in literature?

Grades 6-8

How did Zora Neale Hurston’s writing preserve Black culture and folklore?
Why was her book Their Eyes Were Watching God important?
How do authors influence the way people understand history?
What challenges did Black women writers face in Hurston’s time?
How did racism and sexism affect Hurston’s career as a writer?
Research another Black female writer and compare her experiences with Hurston’s.
How does storytelling help preserve culture?
Why do you think Hurston’s work wasn’t appreciated as much during her lifetime?
How have Black women authors influenced literature today?
If Zora Neale Hurston was alive today, what advice do you think she would give young writers?

Grades 9-12

How did Zora Neale Hurston’s work challenge stereotypes about Black people?
Compare Hurston’s writing style to another Black writer from the Harlem Renaissance.
Why do you think Their Eyes Were Watching God is still studied today?
How did Hurston’s background as an anthropologist influence her storytelling?
What impact did racial and gender discrimination have on her career and legacy?
How does the representation of Black women in literature today compare to Hurston’s time?
Why is it important to document and celebrate the contributions of early Black women writers?
Research a book or film that helped increase Black representation in literature or media.
What role did Zora Neale Hurston play in shaping Black storytelling?
How can young writers today continue to tell stories that challenge stereotypes and celebrate culture?

Book Cover Redesign – Design a new cover for Their Eyes Were Watching God that reflects its themes.
Storytelling Podcast – Record a short podcast discussing how Zora Neale Hurston preserved Black folklore.
Historical Newspaper Article – Write a newspaper article as if you were living during the Harlem Renaissance, reviewing one of Hurston’s books.
Folktale Performance – Research a Black folktale and perform a dramatic reading inspired by Hurston’s work.
Modern-Day Adaptation – Rewrite a scene from Their Eyes Were Watching God as if it took place today.
Harlem Renaissance Collage – Create an art piece showcasing key figures from the Harlem Renaissance, including Hurston.
Anthropology & Storytelling Documentary – Create a short video exploring how Hurston’s work as an anthropologist influenced her writing.

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