Final answer:
Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is often recognized as a significant work in American and African-American literature, reflecting themes of racial pride, feminism, and individualism. It is celebrated within the context of the Harlem Renaissance and regarded as an important contribution to literary history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zora Neale Hurston's novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, is a celebrated work of American literature and included on various prestigious lists, such as the Harlem Renaissance writers. While specific lists could vary, it is often included among the most influential books in American literature and the canon of African-American literature. As an anthropologist and a key figure during the Harlem Renaissance, Hurston's work goes beyond fiction to encompass the struggle for racial equality and the celebration of African-American culture.
Published in 1937, Their Eyes Were Watching God follows the protagonist Janie Crawford as she journeys from being a young girl to a self-actualized woman. This novel is renowned for its portrayals of racial pride, female empowerment, and individualism, reflecting Hurston's own background in anthropology and her immersive studies in African-American folklore.
The significance of Hurston's contributions to literature and their impact on following generations are immense. Authors like Alice Walker have cited Hurston's work as an inspiration. Her writing, including Their Eyes Were Watching God, has been influential in shaping the conversation around the role of women in society, especially within the African-American community.