Poker!

Name: Poker!
Author: Zora Neale Hurston

By Zora Neale Hurston

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Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The play presents a tense poker game in a shabby front-room where several men and a pianist gamble, cheat, and bluff; cardplay, petty boasts, and hidden aces escalate into accusations, drawn weapons, and a fatal gunshot, while an elder woman admonishes them and delivers a moral censure. The single-scene action uses brisk, colloquial dialogue and explicit stage directions to emphasize physical maneuvering, trickery, and comic menace, exposing recurring concerns with deception, pride, desperation, and communal judgment.

About the Author

Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960) was an influential American author, anthropologist, and key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Known for her rich portrayals of African American culture and folklore, she contributed significantly to literature with works that explore themes of identity, race, and community. Her most notable work, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," is celebrated for its strong female protagonist and innovative narrative style. Hurston's writings, including essays and plays, reflect her deep understanding of the Southern Black experience, making her a vital voice in American literature. Her legacy continues to inspire readers and writers today.