Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
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Major
Spanish w/ Teaching Certification
Minor
History
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Ben Post; Dr. Roxane Riegler
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Due to its tumultuous history, the island of Cuba has developed a literary culture unique in comparison to similar movements across Latin America and the rest of the world. This culminates in a shift that exhibits a new distinctly Cuban identity, or more commonly referred to as la cubanidad, because of the Cuban people’s shared history and experiences especially during the era following the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959). This idea of Cubanness draws primarily on the mixture of influence from two primary streams, the Hispano-European and the West African, to show a united essence despite socio-cultural divisions. My project addresses this formation of identity within Cuban literature through the analysis of the multiracial dynamic present within Cuba that originates from Spanish colonial social hierarchy and that evolves from Independence through the Revolution. More specifically, I am analyzing the expression of this Cuban identity through the poetry and essays of Nancy Morejón (1944 - ), a teacher, translator, revolutionary, and award-winning writer, who draws on her primarily Afro-Carribean ancestry along with Hispanic influences. Simply stated, Morejón implements themes and rhetoric which explicitly demonstrate the formation and realization of a united Cuban identity through the biracial character and common hardships among the broader Cuban population. Along with the analysis of Cuban essence and identity, Morejón’s works also provide an introspective call-to-action for her readers where she implores us to look within and question our own identities.
Spring Scholars Week 2021 Event
GTL 400 Senior Colloquium
Expression of Biracial Identity through Cuban Poetry
Due to its tumultuous history, the island of Cuba has developed a literary culture unique in comparison to similar movements across Latin America and the rest of the world. This culminates in a shift that exhibits a new distinctly Cuban identity, or more commonly referred to as la cubanidad, because of the Cuban people’s shared history and experiences especially during the era following the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959). This idea of Cubanness draws primarily on the mixture of influence from two primary streams, the Hispano-European and the West African, to show a united essence despite socio-cultural divisions. My project addresses this formation of identity within Cuban literature through the analysis of the multiracial dynamic present within Cuba that originates from Spanish colonial social hierarchy and that evolves from Independence through the Revolution. More specifically, I am analyzing the expression of this Cuban identity through the poetry and essays of Nancy Morejón (1944 - ), a teacher, translator, revolutionary, and award-winning writer, who draws on her primarily Afro-Carribean ancestry along with Hispanic influences. Simply stated, Morejón implements themes and rhetoric which explicitly demonstrate the formation and realization of a united Cuban identity through the biracial character and common hardships among the broader Cuban population. Along with the analysis of Cuban essence and identity, Morejón’s works also provide an introspective call-to-action for her readers where she implores us to look within and question our own identities.