Abstract
Nineteenth-century transcendentalist philosophy emerged on the New England coast through discourse between popular theorists like Emerson, Fuller, and Thoreau. Thoreau particularly, who was adamantly against the funding of the Mexican American War, believed in taking time to reflect on one’s role as resistance to pernicious, societal expectations and norms, inherently contributing to a nuanced sense of American identity and individuality. Old Mexico (“Texas”), which became a new territory overnight operating under the United States, meant that Mexicans living in this territory had to suddenly choose between two different ways of life: one that meant holding true to Mexican culture and traditions, and one that meant abandoning these customs to become American which is transcendentalist in principle. Jovita González, a south Texas writer in the early 20th century, carefully conducted research of temporal literature, letters, and articles in response to the Mexican War of 1846. As a result, González produced manuscripts for a fictional novel – of which would remain unpublished for nearly 60 years – that hones on sentiments of a Mexican family who initially despises Americanism for its prideful infrastructure but inevitably succumbs to it for their own well- being. Caballero: A Historical Novel, published in 1996 by scholars, tells the story of Don Santiago who struggles to accept his family’s gradual assimilation into American culture. This on-going research explores communications between New England and “Old Mexico,” while concurrently examining Don Santiago’s right to selfhood as he sacrifices his familial relationships at the expense of retaining antiquated beliefs.
Presenters
Nathan PastranoEnglish Teacher, Department of English, San Antonio Independent School District, Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Transcendentalism, Humanities, Mexican-American, War, Fiction, Family, Thoreau, Fuller, Emerson
