Creation of identity as a bridge between cultures in Cristina Garcia's Dreaming in Cuban

UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Christiane N. Schneider (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/
Advisor
Barbara Waxman

Abstract: The members of the “1.5” generation of Cuban immigrants often face a daunting task. Being neither Cuban nor American, but at the same time being both Cuban and American, they have strong attachments to the island of their birth as well as their adopted country. Pulled in two different directions by politically and culturally divergent nations, they often experience a sense of marginalization and identity loss. Cristina Garcia’s groundbreaking novel Dreaming in Cuban beautifully depicts the struggles faced by members of this forgotten group of immigrants through her semi-autobiographical character of Pilar Puente. In this thesis I will explore the formation of identity through an examination of Pilar Puente’s character development. By thoroughly examining issues such as family relationships, religion, language, politics, art and history through the lenses of the literary theories such as new historicism, feminist theory, and postcolonial theory, I intend to provide a better understanding of the many struggles faced by those immigrating to the United States. The United States is currently involved in a politically sensitive debate about this country’s current and future immigration policies. Hispanics/Latinos are currently the fastest growing minority group in this country. I believe that understanding the struggles faced by new immigrants can lead to acceptance and appreciation of these bicultural members of society.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters of Arts
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
García Cristina. Dreaming in Cuban--Criticism and interpretation
Subjects
García, Cristina. Dreaming in Cuban -- Criticism and interpretation

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