David Wiseman and Dr. Douglas J. Weatherford, Spanish and Portuguese
Introduction
As often is the case in creative writing, the direction of this project deviated slightly from its initial aims. The results, however, surpass in significance the expected outcome of the project’s early development. In order to insure proposed results, this project required extensive research and preparation prior to its production. As stated in its original proposal, under the direction of Dr. Sally Taylor I completed initial draft work on the novel Seven Days while enrolled in English 419R (Creative Writing Project). During the outlining and drafting processes I researched theories regarding creative writing itself, and likewise read several novels paralleling the ideas I proposed to establish in text. Given the evolution of the novel, a decision was made, following consultation with both my faculty mentor (Douglas Weatherford) and the ORCA, to change travel destinations from the originally proposed Dominican Republic to Mexico City, Mexico in order to more effectively fulfill the purposes and direction of the project. Extending far beyond initial expectations, research allowed for both the completion of original literature and the extension of creative writing opportunities to other students, including the probable introduction of a new creative writing journal. Furthermore, this project has provided the link through which continued investigations will ultimately result in the completion of a master’s thesis directly related to the areas researched.
Research
Given the importance of varied, yet interdependent, cultural groups in Seven Days, one of the central purposes of traveling to Mexico was to better understand the relationship between Aztec and modern Mexican culture. While visiting the pyramids of Teotihuacán I learned that many pyramids in that region, as well as in other regions of Central and South America, were reconstructed periodically, replacing the existing structures with newly constructed layers. Stated reconstruction extends in significance far beyond structural renovation. Symbolically, it represented the spiritual renovation of the civilization, who often believed in the cyclical nature of history. Likewise, through personal reading and research, I have found certain trends in Latin American literature that suggest a similar notion of regenerative cyclical history, expressed not through architecture necessarily, but rather through the creation (and subsequent recreation) of literary history in the modern novel.
In his acceptance speech of the Nobel Prize for Literature (1982), Gabriel García Márquez states, “The interpretation of our reality through patterns not our own, serves only to make us ever more unknown, ever less free, ever more solitary” (1). The issue of solitude, specifically as related to historical oppression, is central to Latin American history and its literature. Beginning with the historical accounts of the Discovery and continuing through the present, Latin American narrative (both fictional and historical), has unceasingly returned to its origins, in the process establishing a cyclical history based upon repetition.
While creating an apparent fixation with the negative, the repetition of destructive history in Latin American text extends far beyond masochistic obsession. By manipulating an oppressive past by its own volition, Latin American literature creates a paradigm shift from oppressed to oppressor, thus becoming master of its own identity. In other words, through the process of recreating history in its literature, an oppressed Latin America becomes master, or even creator, of its own historical beginnings, thus establishing an artistic reconciliation of the past and a literary redefinition of its future. Stated conclusions serve in establishing my personal literary interpretation of Latin American history through the creation of Seven Days, and likewise aid in furthering my research as related to the progression of my master’s thesis.
Significance
As stated, research conducted for this project was dual purposed, meeting the needs of my creative ambitions while providing the link through which further research could be conducted for the completion of a master’s thesis during graduate studies. As was supposed in the project’s original proposal, the novel itself, while progressing, is not complete. However, the effects of its current progress will provide not only me, but also other students, the opportunity to continue writing creatively in various forums.
A brief presentation of original literature during a creative writing workshop sponsored by El Instituto de Estudios Vallejianos was only the beginning of the project’s influence on future creative studies and production. Following the presentation of my work, I met briefly with the institute’s creative writing coordinator, Sonia Quiroga de Thomas, to discuss possible creative writing opportunities within the Spanish and Portuguese Department. Beginning January 2005, monthly workshops will be organized during which students will be provided the opportunity to both present and receive feedback on their creative work. Under the direction of Sonia Quiroga, I will play a role in organizing and publicizing these meetings. Furthermore, I have obtained initial approval, through El Insituto de Estudios Vallejianos, to create a new student journal, Liternautos, dedicated entirely to creative writing. This journal will provide students the opportunity to share creative work through publication. Sonia Quiroga de Thomas and I will serve as founding co-editors of the journal, which, provided sufficient funding, is scheduled to be published during the fall semester of 2005.
Finally, the research conducted for this project has established the basis through which a master’s thesis tentatively entitled, (De)constructing America: Historical Archive in Latin American Literature, will be completed. Mentoring and generous financial donations have provided the means through which personal academic and creative objectives were fulfilled, which in turn have likewise provided opportunities for other students to do the same.