Feminizing memory: Images of Mexican immigrant motherhood, 1965--2002

This thesis examines portrayals of immigrant mothers in literature and films produced by Chicana/os since 1965. More precisely, it analyzes the imagery of Mexican motherhood within immigration narratives. Major symbolism related to Old World motherhood is examined, such as religious iconography and La Llorona, and mothers' relationships with her children are also examined. Furthermore, rather than following the tradition of masculinized memory, the authors of the texts that this thesis examines provide strong evidence of feminized memory; each text offers a revealing look at the female experience, as opposed to seeing women solely through the male gaze. Works examined include: Trini, by Estela Portillo Trambley (1986); The Miraculous Day of Amalia Gomez, by John Rechy (1991); The Conquest, by Yxta Maya Murray (2002); and Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros (2002); the film Real Women Have Curves (2002); and several short stories and autobiographical excerpts by various authors.