A critical analysis of Nella Larsen's 'Quicksand' and Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'

Nella Larsen and Zora Neale Hurston are important to American literary history. They are forerunners of feminine self-exploration and, as such, they help unravel the immense complexities of racial identities and gender differences. Although some particularities keep these two authors individually and collectively unique, they form a coherent and representative pair to study, giving requisite breadth and variety to an understanding of the Harlem Renaissance.;A critical analysis of the novels, Quicksand and Their Eyes Were Watching God, shows that Larsen and Hurston arrive at vastly different conclusions. Nonetheless, these writers have much in common: both reject patriarchy, support the need for self-realization, refuse to accept religious orthodoxy as an answer, and maintain a deep respect for human life. Larsen and Hurston have made a significant contribution, not only to the period of the Harlem Renaissance, but also to today's struggle for feminine self-realization. They deserve to be recognized.