In 7 composite stories--shifting from the roads of Southern Colorado neighborhoods, the
fields and unpaved roads of Northern New Mexico, and the streets of Culver City,
California--Penitence follows Relles Ortiz and the bleak peripheral existence of the
voiceless suburban people living in disorder and disorientation within the harshness of
their common American surroundings and circumstances. Relles' story is told in a
fragmented and laconic style as Relles explores the flashes of his violent past, his
severed relationships as well as confronting his stubborn addictive personality. In "Blues
Skies Under Culver City," Relles recounts his troubled marriage and relationship with his
daughter after years lost in the Army serving in Macedonia. In "Return to Cacaville" we
learn that Relles' problems are perhaps greater than himself as they seem to be
patterned by his familial tree. "Backyard Marriage" recounts the marriage of Relles'
mother and father from the perspective of his Uncle Lolo and the neighborhood priest,
Father Dwyer. In "Hamburgers in Macedonia," Relles recounts the main source of his
inner demons--a tragic tour through Bosnia and Northern Macedonia. "Penance" and
"Laundromat Story" both beg the question: are individuals 'fucked up' or are they simply
'fuck-ups.' In the "Highland," Relles learns that his actions and decisions perhaps can
rise above his weighted thoughts and relentless memories. Overall, these stories mark
this author's journey from honest journaling to honest story-telling and crafting of fiction. / Graduation date: 2004
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/30857 |
| Date | 12 April 2004 |
| Creators | Jaramillo, John Paul |
| Contributors | Cornell, Jennifer |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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