In 1970 Casa de las Americas announced the addition of testimonial literature to the list of categories for which a writer could receive the Premio Literario. Since that time, critics have attempted to establish a clear definition of that genre as well as a means of classifying works within it. John Beverley and Elsbieta Sklodowska provide the most complete attempts; each, for different reasons, however, tends to exclude works which are exemplary of this genre. / In Chapter One an inclusive definition and method of classification for the testimonial narrative is provided. Based on the genesis of the written text, three "narrative modes" have been established: narrative written by the witness; oral history, gathered, transcribed, and edited by another; and the testimonial novel. / In Chapter Two La montana es algo mas que una inmensa estepa verde by Nicaraguan Omar Cabezas is analyzed as an example of the first narrative mode. / I, Rigoberta Menchu by Guatemalan Indian Rigoberta Menchu and Venezuelan ethnologist Elisabeth Burgos-Debray is studied as an example of the second in Chapter Three. / In Chapter Four Tejas verdes by Chilean Hernan Valdes is analyzed as an example of the testimonial novel. The differentiating factors between the testimonial novel and "pure" testimonial narrative are examined. / In Chapter Five testimonial narrative is related to Levi-Strauss's concept of bricolage. This "new" genre has been created in order to reflect the Latin American realities which are different from those found in countries which dominate both culturally and economically. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 55-08, Section: A, page: 2415. / Major Professor: Ardis L. Nelson. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1994.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77209 |
| Contributors | Roman-Lagunas, Victoria Ann., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 191 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
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