LERON WELLINGTON
Special to The Leader
Without inspiration, art cannot be created. As obvious as that might sound, we often forget to question the influence of pieces of literature, especially great ones. As part of the The Big Read events, Dr. Jennifer Ryan-Bryant, a literature professor at Buffalo State, came to speak about the book being honoring this year, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and its author, Zora Neale Hurston.
“A Great Fish-Net: Metaphor and Memory” was presented at the Fredonia Opera House by the Keynote Speaker Ryan-Bryant and explored Hurston’s life and how much of it contributed to her book that has become somewhat of a classic. Ryan-Bryant read “Their Eyes Were Watching God” during her undergraduate career and since then has studied African American literature as well as Hurston’s life and legacy.
The focus of the presentation was Hurston’s work as an anthropologist and how she used it in her works. Through her anthropology work in Southern towns, she used the African American folktales as inspiration to her works. Studying black culture and issues served as ideas for characters that she used in her books.
Ryan-Bryant specifically talked about how readers can see Hurston’s personal life in “Their Eyes Were Watching God.” There are obvious connections — like the novel’s setting in Eatonville, Florida, which was where Hurston grew up. Then, she noted the lesser-known connections, such as the fact that Hurston herself was involved in a romantic relationship with a man 20 years younger than her, just like the novel’s protagonist.
With focus on “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” the presentation talked about both the book’s acclaim and criticism. The book and its author were not appreciated at the time, specifically by other prominent African American writers and activists like Booker T. Washington. And to this day, the book is still controversial in its portrayal of African Americans.
Following her death, Hurston still made an impact in black literature. We can see this directly in Alice Walker’s novel, “The Color Purple.” Walker has been popularly know as Hurston’s successor, and has not only attributed her influence for writing to Hurston but has also spoke about her works in high acclaim.
When it came to the significance of the book itself, Ryan-Bryant believes that no one should graduate from college without reading it because “it talks about the history and culture in a time that we usually are not taught in schools.” Not only was her work a reflection of history, but Hurston’s life represents the Harlem Renaissance and beginning of the Civil Rights movement, as she was active in both.
Cynthia Yochym, the reference librarian in the Reed Library, looks forward to the Big Read every year since it provides her with an opportunity to read a book that she never got the chance to read before.
When it came to the keynote speaker’s presentation, she said, “I loved it because it provides you with hindsight to the author and you can learn about the connection between Hurston’s life and work.”
Randy Gadikian, Reed Library Director and organizer for the Big Read Events, was grateful to bring Ryan-Bryant and learn about Hurston’s life. He said, “It was really cool because it is really hard to find a Zora Neal Hurston scholar, because they are not many out there.”
Ryan-Bryan’s presentation addressed many aspects of Hurston’s life and with that came the books themes. “Watching God” and her other works are a direct reflection of her life and what it was like growing up in the South during the ‘30s.
Even though the main purpose of The Big Read is to encourage young students to read, it also presents an opportunity to learn more about a piece of literature that is already popular. The keynote speaker presented on how an author and his or her work are interconnected in more than one way. Even though the author will eventually die, their work can represent their life and a community for years and years after.