The construction and performance of masculinity through the voice of Mexican American male authors: Arturo Islas' "The Rain God" and Rigoberto González's "Men Without Bliss"

Authors

Edna Elizabeth Camacho, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

5-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

English

First Advisor

Dr. Marci McMahon

Second Advisor

Dr. Margaret Dorsey

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert Johnson

Abstract

The thesis closely analyzes Arturo Islas’ novel The Rain God (1984) and Rigoberto Gonzalez’s collection of short stories Men Without Bliss (2008) as representations of Mexican American literature that attempt to construct and define masculinity through the actions of male characters. The Rain God, explores the performance of masculinity through the image of the body, similarly to the performance of an actor on a stage. Islas introduces four men who hide, and deny a space for expunging their emotions. Men Without Bliss, showcases the emotions that men suppress and exemplifies their vulnerability as their strength rather than a debilitating characteristic of masculinity, as commonly portrayed in society. Published decades later, each story voices the internal pain that men experience, invites the reader to share the space where the character purges his emotions, thus creating a space of acceptance for their masculinity, tears, pain, homosexuality, and even their hate.

Comments

Copyright 2014 Edna Camacho. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/construction-performance-masculinity-through/docview/1560676430/se-2

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American