On Monday, April 22, 2024, the Final Jeopardy round presented an intriguing question in the category “20th Century Authors“.
Contestants were challenged with the clue: “Best known for a novel, she wrote at least 6 full-length plays & collaborated with Moms Mabley on a 1931 Broadway revue“. This clue required a deep dive into American literature and theater history, highlighting an author who was not only a significant novelist but also an active playwright and collaborator in the theatrical arts.
Who is Zora Neale Hurston?
The correct response to this Final Jeopardy question was Zora Neale Hurston, a formidable figure in American literature and a key voice of the Harlem Renaissance. Hurston is best known for her novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” a seminal work in both African American and women’s literature. However, her contributions extend far beyond this novel. She authored six full-length plays and several short stories, essays, and other literary works that explored themes of racial identity, folk traditions, and the human condition.
Hurston’s collaboration with Moms Mabley on the 1931 Broadway revue “Fast and Furious: A Colored Revue in 37 Scenes” marked a significant moment in her career. This revue was an amalgamation of comedy, music, and drama, offering sharp social commentary wrapped in entertainment. Hurston’s involvement in the project was part of her broader commitment to portraying African American life with both depth and nuance, challenging the racial stereotypes prevalent in American society at the time.
Legacy and Relevance
Zora Neale Hurston’s literary and theatrical endeavors are a testament to her versatility and her profound impact on American culture. Despite facing significant obstacles as an African American woman in the early 20th century, Hurston’s work broke new ground and opened doors for future generations of writers and artists. Her plays, although less known than her novels, are crucial components of her oeuvre, demonstrating her dynamic use of language and her powerful grasp of narrative and dialogue.
Today, Hurston is celebrated not only for her literary genius but also for her pivotal role in chronicling African American folklore and for her spirited critique of racial and gender politics. Her collaboration with Moms Mabley on Broadway is just one example of how she seamlessly blended entertainment with a deeper social and cultural critique, using her sharp wit and keen observational skills to challenge the status quo and inspire change.
In revisiting Hurston’s work, whether through her widely acclaimed novels or her less familiar plays and collaborations, contemporary audiences are reminded of the enduring power of art to influence society and ignite conversation. The Final Jeopardy question from April 22, 2024, serves as a compelling reminder of Hurston’s diverse talents and her lasting legacy in the canon of American literature.