Zora Neale Hurston's life experiences deeply influenced her literary work, particularly her upbringing in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-black towns in America. Her rich cultural background and exposure to African American folklore inspired her writing and thematic focus on identity, community, and heritage. Hurston's anthropological studies and her interactions with a diverse array of individuals informed her storytelling style. Her seminal work, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," encapsulates her exploration of race, gender, and self-discovery, establishing her as a significant voice in the Harlem Renaissance.