Question

While many writers of her time made their characters seem perfect, what did Zora Neale Hurston do with her characters?

a) She made her characters flawless and idealized.
b) She portrayed her characters as complex individuals with both strengths and flaws.
c) She didn't focus on character development at all.
d) She made her characters one-dimensional.

Answer 1

Zora Neale Hurston developed her characters as complex and multi-dimensional, showcasing both their strengths and flaws, which is reflected in her works like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' and 'Sweat'.

Step-by-step explanation:

While many writers of her time created characters who were flawless and idealized, Zora Neale Hurston took a different approach in her writings. Hurston portrayed her characters as complex individuals with both strengths and flaws. In her most popular novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, the protagonist Janie Crawford evolves from a naive girl to a self-actualized woman through experiences that showcase her strengths and vulnerabilities.

Similarly, in her short story "Sweat," character Delia Jones finds the power within herself to overcome the challenges posted by her abusive husband. Hence, the correct answer to the student's question is b) She portrayed her characters as complex individuals with both strengths and flaws.