The essay written by Zora Hurston outlines the way it feels to be black living in Southern America - ’an ancestor of slavery’ as she puts it. What surprised me the most was that Zora only feels different when she is a minority or when she is around a white person. The first time Zora realizes the difference between black and white people is when she is submersed in a white society. I think this has a reflection on the white perspective on the blacks of Maycomb, in To Kill A Mockingbird. The white people believe they are superior to the blacks and believe all African-Americans to be the same. Hurston demonstrates herself as slightly arrogant throughout the piece of work. I believe she has a high sense of accomplishment. Zora sees her ancestor’s tribulation as a stage of progress. Zora Hurston will not allow the past to bring her down. Unlike Lucille Clifton, Zora Hurston has a different perspective and choices not to dwell on the past. Zora’s self esteem echoed throughout the essay is an important factor in her growth. Hurston has a very positive outlook on her life and choices to live her life to the fullest. She is thankful for the hardships that her Ancestors went through, but will not continue to live with such hatred. Zora makes a point to talk about how it’s not a bad thing to be Black; god was not punishing her – Zora states she is proud to be both “everybody’s Zora” and “cosmetic Zora”.
How does the experience of moving from a small town to a city affect Zora?
Does Zora’s race hinder her at all? Does she let it have any effect?
How does the writing style effect the story?
How do the opinions on racism of Zora Hurston and Lucille Clifton differ?
