What do you suppose could create havoc in a relationship between two highly touted authors of the Black literary world?
The two authors being Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. The reason behind the havoc can only be estimated.
Zora Neale Hurston a native of Eatonville, Florida and Langston Hughes, born in Joplin, Missouri, both once attendants of Columbia University, met at a literary awards banquet held by the NAACP in 1925.
Hughes 28, told a friend, "I would like to know her." Hurston 39, told all of her friends "I'm 29."
In July of 1927 the two crossed paths again down in Mobile, Alabama. A month after deciding to drive Hurston's car to New York together, Hughes introduced Hurston to his patron Charlotte van der Veer Quick Mason. Mason was refered to in letters as "god mother". She had been a fantastic contributor to the writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Hurston would be "adopted" by "god mother" and recieve $15,000 at $200 per month. Hughes only recieved $150 per month.
Hurston had plans for Hughes and herself. In April of 1928 Hurston's letter expresses dreams, "of a real Negro theater...". She explains that since the idea of the theater had been concieved he had been a part.
"I had you helping 50/50 from the start. In fact, I am perfectly willing to be 40 to your 60 since you are always so much more practical than I. But I know it is going to be glorious!"
"God mother" or Mason to their dismay, did not share the same enthusiasm and instructed Hurston and Hughes not to mention the subject again. It was too late to quench their desire of a "real Negro theater." By late April of 1930 the two authors had written Mule Bone, A Comedy of Negro Life.
By May Hurston's $200 a month regular funding from Ms. Mason had become irregular. Their spotty relationship would not live to see the following year.
No one is completely sure of the reasons behind the feud although Hurston is said to have caused the dispute that ended their friendship.
In June of 1930 Hurston takes a few months to complete the trial scene of act two of Mule Bone. She returns three months later without the scene. In October, Hurston files for sole authorship of Mule Bone.
The two author's contributions to Mule Bone blended so well that it is not possible to ascertain who wrote what.
Zora Neale Hurston a native of Eatonville, Florida and Langston Hughes, born in Joplin, Missouri, both once attendants of Columbia University, met at a literary awards banquet held by the NAACP in 1925.
Hughes 28, told a friend, "I would like to know her." Hurston 39, told all of her friends "I'm 29."
In July of 1927 the two crossed paths again down in Mobile, Alabama. A month after deciding to drive Hurston's car to New York together, Hughes introduced Hurston to his patron Charlotte van der Veer Quick Mason. Mason was refered to in letters as "god mother". She had been a fantastic contributor to the writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Hurston would be "adopted" by "god mother" and recieve $15,000 at $200 per month. Hughes only recieved $150 per month.
Hurston had plans for Hughes and herself. In April of 1928 Hurston's letter expresses dreams, "of a real Negro theater...". She explains that since the idea of the theater had been concieved he had been a part.
"I had you helping 50/50 from the start. In fact, I am perfectly willing to be 40 to your 60 since you are always so much more practical than I. But I know it is going to be glorious!"
"God mother" or Mason to their dismay, did not share the same enthusiasm and instructed Hurston and Hughes not to mention the subject again. It was too late to quench their desire of a "real Negro theater." By late April of 1930 the two authors had written Mule Bone, A Comedy of Negro Life.
By May Hurston's $200 a month regular funding from Ms. Mason had become irregular. Their spotty relationship would not live to see the following year.
No one is completely sure of the reasons behind the feud although Hurston is said to have caused the dispute that ended their friendship.
In June of 1930 Hurston takes a few months to complete the trial scene of act two of Mule Bone. She returns three months later without the scene. In October, Hurston files for sole authorship of Mule Bone.
The two author's contributions to Mule Bone blended so well that it is not possible to ascertain who wrote what.
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