Author
Marsha S. Collins
Bio: Marsha S. Collins is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Identity (philosophy). The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 5 citations.
Topics: Identity (philosophy)
Papers
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01 Dec 1984
TL;DR: Laforet's Nada: Fictional form and the search for identity as discussed by the authors is a classic work in the field of non-convex fiction and non-sequential narratives.
Abstract: (1984). Carmen Laforet's Nada: Fictional form and the Search for Identity. Symposium: A Quarterly Journal in Modern Literatures: Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 298-310.
6 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the function of the undeniably homoerotic undercurrents of Nada, particularly insofar as Andrea's physical obsession with Gloria and her complex, deeply affectionate relationship with her friend Ena.
Abstract: Sexual repression is a constant theme in Nada (1945), and in the absence of any sort of traditional plot, Carmen Laforet's characters seem to be searching to define themselves socially and sexually in an atmosphere characterized by disorder. While scholars have emphasized both Laforet's use of an ambiguously constructed discourse and the overall tone of sexual repression in the novel's characters, aside from the obvious heterosexual tensions of the novel, there exists in Nada a series of exceptionally suggestive homoerotic undercurrents that have remained largely unexamined. An important question has remained unanswered: What is the function of the undeniably homoerotic undercurrents of the novel, particularly insofar as Andrea's physical obsession with Gloria and her complex, deeply affectionate relationship with her friend Ena? Through an analysis of both the highly charged female relationships and episodes of homoerotic desire and the contrasting instances of Andrea's indifference, repulsion, and fear of heterosexual relationships with men, it is the purpose of the present study to attempt to show that homosocial desire is encoded in the social structures detailed in the novel, and that same-sex friendship serves as a socially acceptable device through which Andrea can derive emotional fulfillment independent of traditional heterosexual social constructs.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that Andrea's corporeal needs are what motivate and move her more than any other factor in Nada, and that hunger is an important leitmotif: it affects almost every aspect of daily life for Andrea and her family, and it illuminates the very real social inequalities of the time.
Abstract: For many critics, Carmen Laforet’s Nada (1944) is an ambiguous work that only refers to life in post-war Spain (1939-44) without analysing or criticizing the sordid nature of the period. Although it is true that Andrea is a passive character that rarely passes judgment on the people and events she describes in the novel, in this paper I argue that her decisions are influenced by the way she feels and not just what she thinks. Borrowing from theories of affect that view affect, emotions, and feelings as ‘judgments made by the body’, I argue that Andrea’s corporeal needs are what motivate and move her more than any other factor in the novel. For in Nada, hunger is an important leitmotif: it affects almost every aspect of daily life for Andrea and her family, and, with its own ubiquitous presence, it illuminates the very real social inequalities of the time, thus offering evidence as to why at the end of the novel Andrea decides to go with Ena’s family to Madrid.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on elements of detective fiction, especially the noir subgenre, in Laforet's novelistic production, concentrating on Al volver la esquina published posthumously in 2004.
Abstract: In her five long novels, Carmen Laforet consistently attempted to find new narrative means of framing a feminist message. There exist studies of her use of the Bildungsroman, the Gothic, and Expressionism in Nada. This essay focuses on elements of detective fiction, especially the noir subgenre, in Laforet’s novelistic production, concentrating on Al volver la esquina published posthumously in 2004. The masculine protagonistnarrator moves in a world that is akin to those of North American noir films and novels in order to reveal his dilemma as a man of traditional Spanish masculinist values in a Spain that is beginning to experience the influence of other countries where gender roles are changing.
7 citations
01 Jan 2010
TL;DR: In this article, the authors expressed their appreciation and gratitude to all of the faculty and staff in the Contentos Contentos, including all the students, for their time and assistance in the development of this research paper.
Abstract: i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank Dr. JenniferSmith for all of the time and assistance she provided in the development of this research paper. It is greatly appreciated. In addition, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all of the faculty and staff in the Contentos… " (255). Ella nos hace testigos del comienzo de su nueva historia en el