Landscape and the Feminine Voice: Reclaiming Identity in the Works of Maryse Conde, Simone Schwarz-Bart and Andre Schwarz Bart

Author

Kathleen Marie Ruth

Year of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Modern Languages and Literature (French Option)

Department or School/College

Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures

Committee Chair

Benedicte Boisseron

Commitee Members

Christopher Anderson, Naomi Shin

Abstract

This thesis examines Caribbean literature and its value in establishing identity for Caribbean peoples. The discourse of Caribbean literature as a tool for re-establishing or reclaiming identity is examined, as well as the domination of the male voice throughout Caribbean literature and theory. Through examination of the intimate connection between the feminine and the landscape of the Caribbean, the presence and significance of the female voice is established in the works of Andre Schwarz-Bart, Simone Schwarz-Bart, and Maryse Conde. The recognition of particularity of women’s struggles and the consequent contribution of female authors to Caribbean literature replenish a historiography which has overlooked the feminine voice and provide another facet with which Caribbean literature can be examined.

Recommended Citation

Ruth, Kathleen Marie, "Landscape and the Feminine Voice: Reclaiming Identity in the Works of Maryse Conde, Simone Schwarz-Bart and Andre Schwarz Bart" (2009). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 10849.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/10849