Spanish and Portuguese ETDs

Publication Date

2-9-2010

Abstract

Right-wing military dictatorships in Latin America during the 1960s-80s governed the citizens of their respective countries by utilizing repressive means to control political opposition and enforce patriarchal values, including heteronormativity. Within that context, some Latin American novels present homosexuals that find supportive alternative places in which to discover and express themselves. This thesis examines two such novels, El beso de la mujer araña (1976) by Manuel Puig and Stella Manhattan (1985) by Silviano Santiago. I argue that the main characters Molina and Eduardo/Stella use the freedom of exile and interior exile (insílio) in order to develop their identities as homosexuals.

Degree Name

Portuguese (MA)

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Spanish and Portuguese

First Committee Member (Chair)

Lopéz, Miguel

Second Committee Member

Lopéz, Kimberle

Language

Portuguese

Keywords

Santiago, Silviano--Criticism and interpretation, Puig, Manuel--Criticism and interpretation, Homosexuality in literature, Identity (Philosophical concept) in literature, Exiles in literature

Document Type

Thesis

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