Date of Award
Spring 5-2012
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.F.A.
Major Professor
Bill Lavender
Second Advisor
Katherine Oldmixon
Third Advisor
Carolyn A Hembree
Abstract
The “I” speaks in each of the poems presented; but whose I? The collection explores the use of personae, and gives voice to “the other” I’s/las otras, women who came before us and those who walk among us. Sometimes in English, sometimes in Spanish, sometimes the voices cross between languages. Written primarily in free verse, the poems are ordered to allow the mingling of languages from the speakers on the page. Through other eyes, some of the characters revive the past, speak from the grave. They provide a glimpse into what lies beyond the “I.” We hear the women, their advice, their reflections, their stories. In taking on the different personae, the poet relinquishes her voice. However, some I’s leave us guessing as to who is speaking, and how much has the poet intertwined of her own voice.
Recommended Citation
Nettles Riojas, Brenda, "Through Other I's: Las Otras" (2012). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1468.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1468
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.