Consider the folklore traditions of another culture. Compare some of the common themes, tropes, or story constructions that appear in both the Black folklore of the Deep South and that of another culture or peoples.

A primary obstacle in reading this book is Hurston’s representation of Black language. What are the major pros and cons of representing language this way?

How does Hurston’s role in this work of nonfiction affect its credibility? In what ways might her presence in the book alter how readers perceive the information?