April 4th

 "A profound silence held the room."

- Page 418, Mules and Men


        In this memoir, Hurston explores the folklored culture of the deep south using her anthropological studying techniques. In New Orleans, Hurston explores Voodoo and the African, Afro-Caribbean, and Christian values associated with the rituals, fortunetelling and herbalism. Hurston even goes as far as to describe some experiences with animal sacrifice. In all of this, she focuses on the symbolic tokens, spiritual conjuring and rituals designed for a specific outcome. 

        Even after all of her experiences in New Orleans, Hurston declines the offer to stay and practice with Turner whom she had become accustomed with working. He had made the offer after saying that the spirits had told him that she was the last doctor he would make. In the final passage of the memoir, she states that she declined this offer with a lot of sorrow in her heart, leaving me to wonder if she then grew to regret the decision. 

        Hurston experienced many things that I am not sure I would have been able to go through without freaking out. Granted, she was an anthropologist, however I am not sure if I would be able to buy into that way of living having not grown up in it. I truly believe that Hurston knew that her study of these black individuals was more important than her own beliefs, and that is why she stayed as long as she did, but also why she decided to leave when given the chance. She showed a lot of self control and determination which is something to be envious of.         

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