1.

Reading Hurston's novel, I believe the point of her work is to explain African American

expressions and how they are interpreted. In Hurston's work one thing that stood out to

me was learning about African American contributions to language. Later in the novel

Hurston talks about art that is unique to African culture. Such has aspects of asymmetry

in art and dancing unique to African. Furthermore, Hurston explains that to the common

eye some may not see. Such has knee pointing or certain poses in dancing. To some they

may not think much of it, but to the performer it plays a role in art.

2. In Alice Walker novel ties in Hurston’s has both talked about black artists and the

perception in society. Alice talks about some African- American women and others in her

novel such as Virginia Woolf, Phillis Wheatley and even Hurston. One that stands out is

Alice Walker talking about Phillis Wheatley. Has even though Phillis was captured and a

slave, she was still able to become an known writer. In the supplementary reading it also

talks about how people proclaim African-American culture and dance is uninteresting

and “Negro is lacking in originality that it has almost become a gospel”, but when you

furhter anayzle the dance and it movements it all has meaning and some sort of

significance.

1. Why did Alice Walker decided to bring up Phillis Wheatley even though many

considered her to be problematic?

2. What would Hurston thoughts be on African language and interpretations today?