How Zora Neale Hurston Built the Character of Nanny

In her celebrated novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Zora Neale Hurston crafted an indelible character in Nanny, the wise and fiercely independent matriarch. Through a skillful blend of literary techniques, Hurston imbued Nanny with a depth and complexity that resonates with readers to this day.

Character Development through Dialogue

• **Unique Dialect:** Hurston used Nanny’s distinct vernacular, rich with African American folklore and idioms, to establish her authenticity and cultural roots.
• **Witty Retorts:** Nanny’s sharp tongue and clever wit make her dialogue both entertaining and thought-provoking, showcasing her resilience and intelligence.
• **Proverbs and Folk Wisdom:** Nanny frequently imparts wisdom through proverbs and folk tales, reflecting the collective knowledge and cultural heritage of her community.

Physical and Behavioral Traits

• **Imposing Physicality:** Hurston described Nanny as a “huge, black woman with the face of a stone and the eyes of a hawk.” Her physical presence commands respect and conveys her strength.
• **Independent Nature:** Nanny’s refusal to conform to societal expectations and her insistence on living on her terms reveal her unwavering independence.
• **Prophetic Abilities:** Hurston hinted at Nanny’s uncanny connection to the spiritual world, allowing her to predict future events and offer guidance.

Relationships with Others

• **Matriarchal Figure:** Nanny serves as a surrogate mother and caregiver to Janie Crawford, the novel’s protagonist. Her unconditional love and support provide Janie with a sense of belonging.
• **Strong-Willed Mentor:** While initially skeptical of Janie’s relationships, Nanny eventually guides her journey of self-discovery and helps her find fulfillment.
• **Community Leader:** Nanny is respected and admired by the community for her wisdom and unwavering support, solidifying her role as a matriarchal figure.

Symbolism and Meaning

• **Embodiment of Southern Black Womanhood:** Nanny represents the strength, resilience, and cultural wisdom of Southern Black women during the early 20th century.
• **Bridge between Tradition and Change:** Nanny’s character embodies the tension between traditional values and the need for personal freedom, reflecting the complexities faced by Black women in America.
• **Symbol of Hope and Guidance:** Nanny’s presence serves as a constant reminder of hope and the possibility of overcoming adversity.

Conclusion

Through her masterful use of language, character development, and symbolism, Zora Neale Hurston created in Nanny a timeless character that embodies the strength, resilience, and cultural wisdom of the Southern Black community. Nanny’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and resonate with readers, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of African Americans during a pivotal period in American history.

Tips and Tricks for Character Development

• Draw from Real Life: Base your characters on real people or experiences to make them relatable and authentic.
• Develop a Detailed Backstory: Create a comprehensive backstory for your character, including their childhood, motivations, and relationships.
• Use Physical and Behavioral Traits: Consider how your character’s appearance, mannerisms, and habits contribute to their personality.
• Explore Relationships with Others: Examine how your character interacts with other characters and how these relationships shape their development.
• Use Symbolism and Meaning: Infuse your characters with symbolic elements that reflect their inner qualities or represent larger themes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Stereotyping: Avoid creating characters that fall into overly simplistic or clichéd stereotypes.
• Overdoing It: Be mindful of not overloading your characters with too many traits or unnecessary details.
• Lack of Motivation: Ensure that your characters have clear motivations and goals that drive their actions.
• Inconsistency: Maintain consistency in your characters’ personalities and behaviors throughout the story.
• Lack of Conflict: Create conflict in your characters’ lives to add depth and make them relatable.

Tables for Analysis