Semester of Graduation

Summer 2022

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This paper analyzes Afro-Costa Rican identity in the decolonizing discourse of Afro-Costa Rican poet Eulalia Bernard Little through the lens of postcolonial criticism; making special reference to the work of the Peruvian sociologist Dr. Anibal Quijano and his concept of the coloniality of power. Through the analysis of the anticolonial discourse surrounding the vindication of the Afro-Costa Rican identity, this study aims to explain the role of Bernard's poetry in the decolonization of the image of the Afro-Costa Rican population. With her poetry, the author distanced herself from Costa Rican canonical literature, which had made Afro-descendants invisible in the country's history for centuries, thus denying their contributions to the country's culture and economy. Bernard was a budding feminist from her young days, empowering women and a downtrodden sector of the black community as their capable leader. Therefore, Bernard's poetry has a feminist attitude towards racial and social issues, evident ethically and aesthetically. In addition, her poetry reflects the poet's thoughts on the social problems of Afro-Costa Ricans. Consequently, this work revolves around the theme of the blacks of Limón, as well as the African diaspora in the Caribbean, the United States, and Latin America. Although Bernard's poetry is true to her direct, ironic, and thought-provoking style, her work remains drenched in her feminine sensibility and religious beliefs.

Committee Chair

Morris, Andrea

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.5593

Download

Available for download on Saturday, May 19, 2029

Share

COinS