THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF HURSTON’S IN THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD = THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF HURSTON’S IN THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD

A.RISMAYANTI. Supervised by Dr.M.Amir and Andi Inayah Soraya. This study aimed to uncover the personal experiences that Zora Neale Hurston, the author of “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” faced in her life as documented in her biography. The writer employed a qualitative method, focusing on descriptive data. The study, "The Personal Experience of Hurston in Their Eyes Were Watching God," uses genetic structuralism and a biographical approach. Primary sources include Hurston's novel “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and Valerie Boyd's biography "Wrapped in Rainbows." Secondary sources consist of related articles and journals. Data collection involved reading the novel and biography, and classifying relevant aspects. The findings show that Zora Neale Hurston faced numerous challenges throughout her life, as detailed in Valerie Boyd’s biography "Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston." Hurston's early life was marked by trauma following her mother's death, leading to profound loss and alienation. Despite financial difficulties, she pursued education, working various jobs while excelling academically at Howard University and Barnard College. Her journey was marred by systemic racism and professional criticism, affecting her opportunities and reputation. Personal relationships, such as with Percival Punter, were tumultuous and unfulfilling. A false molestation accusation in 1948 severely damaged her reputation. In her later years, Hurston struggled with poverty and declining health. Her death in 1960 contrasted with posthumous recognition during the civil rights and feminist movements. Hurston’s novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" reflects her personal experiences, particularly in Janie Crawford’s journey towards self-discovery. Her use of African American folklore and dialect highlights her cultural heritage. Future research could explore Hurston's work through postcolonial and psychoanalytic lenses, engaging with her novels' socio-historical context to uncover new insights into her legacy.

Keywords: The Personal Experience.