Zora Neale Hurston and Rudolph Fisher were two African American writers who gained prominence during the Harlem Renaissance, the cultural revolution that took place in the 1920s and 1930s. Both writers had different styles and approaches, however, they both focused on exploring issues of race and identity. In their stories "The Caucasian Storms Harlem" and "How it Feels to Be Colored Me," both Hurston and Fisher address the challenges faced by black people in a predominantly white society, focusing specifically on their experiences in the cabaret.
In "The Caucasian Storms Harlem," Fisher depicts his return to Harlem. He details the changes in the cabaret night scene. What was once a black-dominated space, had now become a white attraction. He details that he feels out of place, as the whites have overrun the night scene. The whites
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The writers explore how the different cultures interact with one another, and how it can create both unity and division. In "The Caucasian Storms Harlem," Fisher shows how the white man's interaction with black culture is genuine but exploitative. The white man seeks to profit from the innovations in music and entertainment that he witnesses in the cabarets. Similarly, in "How it Feels to Be Colored Me," Hurston acknowledges the differences between black and white people, however, she is less critical of the whites as she focuses on celebrating the unique aspects of black culture. Another similarity between the two writers is their use of language. Both Hurston and Fisher were known for their use of cadence and their ability to capture the heart of African American speech. In "The Caucasian Storms Harlem," Fisher uses unique language to create an authentic portrayal of Harlem life. Similarly, in "How it Feels to Be Colored Me," Hurston uses vivid imagery and descriptions to bring her personal experiences to