The Creation of a New Country or the Ruined Dream of a Unified Nation? Queer Aztlán in Cherríe Moraga’s Play "The Hungry Woman: A Mexican Medea"

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The Chicano Movement and Chicano Theatre
• The Dream of Queer Aztlán
• The Hungry Woman: A Mexican Medea
  • Place and Setting: Desired Aztlán and the Exile Phoenix/ Tamoanchán
  • Messenger between this World and the Other: Chac-Mool
  • Desperate Captivity in Two Worlds: Medea
• Conclusion
• Works Cited

Objectives and Key Themes

This Bachelor's thesis examines the depiction of "Queer Aztlán" in Cherríe Moraga's play The Hungry Woman: A Mexican Medea and how the downfall of the protagonist Medea is exemplary for the downfall of the reformed Aztlán. The concept of "Queer Aztlán" originates from one of her essays from 1993.

• The historical events that led to the Chicano Movement
• The influence of the Chicano Movement on Chicano Theatre
• Moraga's critique of the Chicano Movement's patriarchal structures
• The concept of "Queer Aztlán" as a place of inclusivity for all Chicano/as
• The depiction of Aztlán and the exile Phoenix in Moraga's play The Hungry Woman: A Mexican Medea

Chapter Summaries

The first chapter introduces the play The Hungry Woman: A Mexican Medea and its context in contemporary US society. It highlights the ongoing struggles for equality faced by non-white Americans, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, drawing parallels between the play's themes and current events.

The second chapter delves into the origins of the Chicano Movement and its impact on Chicano Theatre. It explains the historical context and the movement's goals, focusing on the development of "El Plan Espiritual de Aztlán" as a symbol of Chicano nationalism.

Chapter four analyzes the play's setting and characters. It explores the dichotomy between the desired Aztlán and the exile Phoenix/ Tamoanchán, highlighting the characters' feelings of otherness and isolation within a patriarchal and conflict-ridden society.

Keywords

The key terms and focus topics of this thesis include: Queer Aztlán, Chicano Movement, Chicano Theatre, Chicana, patriarchal structures, ethnic conflicts, The Hungry Woman: A Mexican Medea, Medea, Chac-Mool, Luna, Aztlán, exile, Phoenix.