Essay Questions

What is the significance of Hurston’s folktale recording?

Hurston has undertaken the task of recording the African American folktales after receiving funding for the same project. The readers realize that folktales in African culture are passed from one generation to the other orally. Most of the folktales are narrated by word of mouth, and the details are bound to change. Hurston is undertaking the recording project to ensure that the African folktales are preserved and document so that the contents will be the same for many generations to come. Additionally, Hurston’s work is intended to preserve the oral heritage of her people.

What is the main theme in ‘Mules and Men’ by Zora Neale Hurston?

The main theme in this book is social engagement. Hurston is tasked with recording African culture and has to prove her trustworthiness before the local people open up about their culture. Hurston is forced to talk to strangers and other people to gather as much information as she can. However, picking the story about African culture is not an easy task because most local people are conservative about their traditions and are unwilling to share it with strangers. Therefore, cultural immersion is evident throughout the text, and it emerges as the central theme.

What does Hurston mean when she says, "Mouths don't empty themselves unless ears are sympathetic and knowing?"

The task of collecting folktales from the local people is not easy, and Hurston has to humble herself and prove to the locals that she is trustworthy. Therefore, the narrator has no option but to remove her learned personality and bring herself to the ground to be equal with the locals. Her commitment to listen motivates the local people to be confident around her and tell their stories without fear. Similarly, Hurston demonstrates that she does not have an ill motive but rather promotes African folktales through documentation.