University of Rhode Island DigitalCommons@URI Open Access Master's Theses 2000 The Colors and Shadows of My Word(s) Lydia A. Saravia University of Rhode Island Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses Recommended Citation Saravia, Lydia A., "The Colors and Shadows of My Word(s)" (2000). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 1812. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/1812 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by DigitalCommons@URI. It has been accepted for inclusion in Open Access Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@URI. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. c,275 5325 At-\ 2000 THE COLORS AND SHADOWS OF MY WORD(S) BY LYDIA A. SARA VIA A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 2000 1F L/5 t-19L-/05L/ Abstract If I find my voice, I will find my identity. Voice gives identity meaning. The acquisition of language (voice) means an acquisition of subjectivity (identity). A search for an identity is a search for voice. But formation of identity is difficult when multiple layers of subjectivity are to be considered: the layer of dual culture, in this case Guatemala and the United States, the layer of an urban environment, the layer of a working-class status, the layer of being female, which are all major players in the development of voice. To make sense of, and find a voice for, a fragmented identity is difficult.