"Their Eyes Were Watching God" - information and online assignment

We are starting our first novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," by Zora Neale Hurston on Monday, October 8.  

A couple of reminders before we read:

1 - We will be doing a lot of the reading for this particular novel in class.  Yes, that means you should have very little outside reading to do, but that also means that you are responsible for catching up on missed reading assignments if you happen to miss class for any reason.  You will sign out a book to use, and I have provided a link to an ebook you can read if you forget your book at school.  The assignment calendar will tell you what readings are due when.

2 - This book is written in a mix of dialect and formal English.  This can make reading a challenge.  To assist you on this, I have provided links to the audiobook we will be using in class.  See the set of links on the right side of the page for the recording, as well as a link to the ebook version.

This book is an excellent example of a work by an African American writer and is based in a real location and loosely based on actual events.  Before we read, you need to read these two short background essays and complete the assignment described below:

Reading: History of Eatonville, FL

Reading: Zora Neale Hurston biography

When you have finished the assigned reading, send me answers to these two questions, either via email or in a shared Google Doc:

1) Who were five of the twenty-nine men who signed the incorporation papers for Eatonville?  What is odd about the men who signed?

2) Who discovered Hurston's grave and published an essay about Hurston?  Where was that essay published, and in what year?

Each answer is worth up to 25 points.  Your answers are due to me no later than MIDNIGHT on Friday, October 12.