Maxine, hong kigston and the notion of personal culture
Resumen
The thesis is an investigation of the possibility of
personal culture in the autobiographical writings of Maxine
Hong Kingston. If the subject matter of this thesis
succeeds in it endeavors, it would defend Kingston from
charges of cultural alchemy made by her critics. In my
defense of Kingston, I have used the philosophy of John
Dewey as a defining platform. With my import of Dewey, his
notions of experience and culture are of particular
interest. It is hoped that, with the concept of personal
culture defined, the hybrid term Chinese American describes
more so an American phenomenon as opposed to one that is
foreign and exotic. Hence, Kingston is an American writer
in the mainstream and not to be relegated to the genre of
ethnic American literature. In fact, if it can be given
that American culture is a diverse composite of cultures,
the genre of ethic American literature is rendered
misleading. In turn, the character of Kingston`s works and
opinions reveal a political agenda, one that is fighting to
resist the alienation and pigeon-holing of `ethnic`
American literature. In short, Kingston and those sharing
in the same genre as her, are part of the American
experience.
Colecciones
- Tesis de Maestría [64]