Anthropology and Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were...

Anthropology and Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God and Jonahs Gourd Vine Zora Neale Hurston described the study of anthropology as a spy-glass, an illuminating lens (1). Anthropology is defined as the scientific study of the origin, the behavior, and the physical, social, and cultural development of humans (2). Through this study and with the aid of an essay defining human nature written by Cardinal Jean Daniello, we can take a closer look at the behavior of the characters in Hurstons novels Their Eyes Were Watching God and Jonahs Gourd Vine. Hurston uses her anthropological lens to create complex characters in these two works. Hurston began her study of anthropology at Barnard College in the 1920s where she†¦show more content†¦According to Daniellos definition, human nature is not at fault in Johns situation. It [human nature] does not at all imply the fixity that some people would like to make it express. But it signifies that authentic progress consists in becoming what one is, (3). In other words, human nature is more involved with self discovery and does not justify wrong-doings. To take a closer look at Johns weakness, his last marriage to Sally Lovelace first appears to be the one that will work out. When presented with temptation from a young woman once again, John makes a strong effort to resist. However, his efforts fail miserably and he finds himself unfaithful once again. â€Å"Two hours later when John found himself dressing in a dingy room in Oviedo he was mad-mad at his weakness-mad at Ora, though she did not know it as yet,† (Jonah, 199). This evidence does not suggest a natural urge, but a weakness. Examining sexual behavior in cultures is a large part of anthropological studies. John’s behavior in the novel suggests a sexual disorder such as nymphomania, a sex addict. If John is a nymphomaniac, he would have no control over his need to be with women. The reader must use their own anthropological lens to examine John’s true intentions in regards to his sexual escapades. John’s behavior in Jonah’s Gourd Vine leads to another aspect of human nature, which is the notion of love. When examining the characters in Their Eyes Were WatchingShow MoreRelatedZora Neale Hurston A Genius of the South Essay1664 Words   |  7 PagesZora Neale Hurston is a trailblazer. Back then people ridiculed her, but she felt the pride and dignity within herself. She was seen as an African-American grandmother in many images of black women writers (Showalter 221). Her talent for African-American literature excited the new readers who were constantly reading her literary works (â€Å"Hurston,† Feminist). Occasionally, both black and white supporters reviewed her books (McKay). 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