Abstract
This thesis analyzes the works of Latina female authors from the United States of America in the coming-of-age genre and how the themes addressed in the novels provide readers with insight into what aspects of the Latino culture in the United States affect the decisions Latina women make when it comes to deciding whether to pursue higher education. The thesis examines three novels by Latina authors from the United States in the coming-of-age genre. These novels include The House on Mango Street, The Poet X , and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. It discusses themes such as gender roles, sexuality, and familism and how the reactions of the Latina protagonists in each of the novels reflect the sentiments of Latina women in real life. These reactions can be taken into consideration when postulating the reasoning behind the lower rate of Latina women receiving bachelor's degrees in the United States compared to the rate of women of different ethnicities.
Semester/Year of Award
Fall 2024
Mentor
Dr. Brent Shannon
Mentor Department Affiliation
English
Access Options
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelors
Department
English
Recommended Citation
Childress, Audrey G., "Voicing Experience: Learning About and Understanding the Latina Experience in the United States through Coming-of-Age Literature" (2024). Honors Theses. 1052.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/1052
