Identifier

etd-04062017-100747

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Foreign Languages and Literatures

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

In the second half of the nineteenth century, Spain’s history was marked by political, ideological, social, and economic crisis. The resultant division on all of these levels and a paralyzing culture of decadence left the nation fragmented and unable to establish a national identity. This and the conflict between tradition and modernity largely contributed to the Disaster of 1898 in which Spain lost Cuba, the last of its remaining American colonies. This thesis presents a transatlantic examination of some of the works of nineteenth century Spanish writers Benito Pérez Galdós and Eva Canel in which I focus specifically on the role of the indiano figure present in each of the works selected for this study. By analyzing the reentries of these Spaniards to their native country after years abroad in the Americas and with special attention to theories of the ‘nation’ and culture, I will discuss how these authors reveal the declining status of Spain and the role of the Americas in Spain as the nation struggled to hold on to its influence in the imperial world and approached the Disaster of 1898.

Date

2017

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Heneghan, Dorota

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.4621

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