A Comparison of Zora Neale Hurston and Jacob Lawrence The Harlem Renaissance was a period most notably known for music and art regarding racial divides. Stemming from this broad observation, though, is a series of ideas, motifs, and influences that would construct the central theme of the era, making the period iconic for the development of African American culture. As this time was one of communication and collaboration, these themes readily overlapped between works. Zora Neale Hurston, in her book Their Eyes Were Watching God, covers themes such as the power of the individual; the significance of control over one 's life, and therefore changing course when necessary; and the journey through life, especially the African American journey towards freedom and equal rights. These themes are also noted in Jacob Lawrence 's paintings. The central difference between the two the focus of message, immediately causing differences in terms of points of reference to Harlem; these differences, however, do not change the similarities in theme of the two artists, which both help to establish a core ideology for the Harlem Renaissance. Early in the text of Their Eyes Were Watching God, Hurston employs imagery and syntax to show Janie uncovering the growth and power she has over her own life. This sort of revelation comes to Janie as Hurston describes that “It had called her to come and gaze on a mystery. From barren brown seems to glistening leaf-buds; from the leaf-buds to snowy