Triangular desire in Sandra Cisneros's “Never Marry a Mexican”

Authors

Laura V. Bazaldua, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Rebecca N. Mitchell

Second Advisor

Dr. Marci R. McMahon

Third Advisor

Jose Skinner

Abstract

This thesis focuses on desire in Sandra Cisneros’s short story “Never Marry a Mexican” in her collection Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories. Cisneros alters the typical configuration of triangular desire in Western literature by focusing on two females and one male. This thesis analyzes the protagonist’s mimetic desire, applying the Girardian model of triangular desire, for her lover’s wife and how it illustrates her internalized racist views. This analysis examines the correlation between mimetic desire and the protagonist’s, an individual of color, investment in the illusion of whiteness.

Her desire is fundamentally a drive toward Megan, who represents the white Other. It is a drive toward establishing a meaningful connection with the Other which has the potential to allow her to transcend the racist and classist barriers that exist between her and other women because of patriarchy.

Comments

Copyright 2011 Laura V. Bazaldúa. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/triangular-desire-sandra-cisneross-never-marry/docview/875770753/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American