The poem “AmeRícan” by Tato Laviera is part of the poet’s latest collection published in 1985. This work is, like his previous publications “Enclave” (1981) and “La carreta made a U-turn” (1979) considered as an outstanding example of “Nuyorican” poetry, that is to say poetry written by Puerto Ricans living in New York.
When trying to understand the poem, it is necessary to understand the circumstances in which it was written. Therefore, a description of the artistic and personal environment of Tato Laviera will be given and the Nuyorican movement will be examined. On this basis, the language and structure of the poem will be studied in detail, concentrating on vocabulary, bilingualism, the title and rhythm. In the third part, the themes and topics of the poem will be analysed with the help of Juan Flores’ concept of the “four definitive moments in the awakening of Nuyourican consciousness”1. Finally, all these aspects will be brought together in a conclusion in which the attempt of pinpointing Tato Laviera’s view on Puerto Rico, America and his own identity will be made.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. “Nuyorican” poetry
1.1 Tato Laviera
2. Structure and Language
2.1 Structure of the poem
2.2 Structure of the stanzas
2.3 Language
3. Thematic development
3.1 introductory stanzas
3.2 “AmeRícan” stanzas
4. Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines Tato Laviera’s poem "AmeRícan" to analyze the identity formation of Puerto Ricans living in New York. It explores how the poetic voice navigates the dual experience of maintaining cultural ties to the homeland while integrating into the North American environment, ultimately proposing a vision of a "new America."
- The artistic and personal background of poet Tato Laviera.
- The historical context and characteristics of the "Nuyorican" movement.
- Structural and linguistic analysis of the poem (bilingualism, rhythm, and imagery).
- Thematic development through the "four definitive moments in the awakening of Nuyorican consciousness."
- Identity construction and the vision of a humane, harmonious multicultural society.
Excerpt from the Book
1. “Nuyorican” poetry
During the 1960’s literature written by Puerto Rican immigrants in New York started to become more imaginative, it explored the immigrant experience in depth and the language included many bilinguisms. This new movement had its roots in a strong political background and was influenced by the black and other civil rights movements. Early Nuyorican writers were often linked to a self-proclaimed revolutionary organization called the ‘Young Lords’ that promoted Puerto Rican rights in social, educational and political matters. The organization, although of rather militant nature, brought a sense of pride and identity to Puerto Rican immigrants and “channelled their dissatisfaction into a political movement” (Luis, 45).
The poetry that emerged in this time expressed very similar issues to those proclaimed by the political organizations. It came directly from the “barrios”, the ghettos where Puerto Ricans lived and it told of living conditions and experiences in New York. It was poetry written for the majority of the immigrants, it spoke for the whole community and every Puerto Rican immigrant could relate to the marginal and isolated conditions described in the works of Nuyorican poets. As it was poetry coming directly from the streets, the language of the streets – Spanish, English or a mixture of both- was used. The new kind of poetry did not have a certain model; it was quite independent and more influenced by African American poetry in the US than by Spanish American literary currents.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the foundation for the analysis by introducing the poet, the work, and the methodological approach based on Juan Flores' concepts.
1. “Nuyorican” poetry: Outlines the historical and social development of literature by Puerto Rican immigrants in New York, including the influence of the Young Lords.
1.1 Tato Laviera: Profiles the life of the poet, noting his migration from Puerto Rico and his foundational experiences in the Lower East Side.
2. Structure and Language: Analyzes the poem’s formal characteristics, including its division into 16 stanzas and the strategic use of indentations.
2.1 Structure of the poem: Discusses the function of the introductory quartets and the "AmeRícan" stanzas as a recurring chorus.
2.2 Structure of the stanzas: Examines the stream-of-consciousness style and the use of puns, enjambments, and linguistic restlessness.
2.3 Language: Explores the tone of the poem, categorized into spheres of nostalgia, affirmation, and universal spirituality.
3. Thematic development: Maps the thematic progression of the poem against the "four definitive moments in the awakening of Nuyorican consciousness."
3.1 introductory stanzas: Interprets the "new generation" concept and the initial identification with the community.
3.2 “AmeRícan” stanzas: Investigates how the later stanzas define Nuyorican identity through music, language, and integration.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming the poem's role as a work of affirmation and self-definition.
Keywords
AmeRícan, Tato Laviera, Nuyorican poetry, Puerto Rican identity, New York, Bilingualism, Migration, Juan Flores, Cultural integration, Spanglish, National consciousness, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, Affirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper is a literary analysis of Tato Laviera’s poem "AmeRícan," focusing on how it reflects the identity, struggles, and aspirations of Puerto Rican immigrants in New York.
What are the central thematic areas addressed?
The core themes include the "Nuyorican" identity, the significance of music in immigrant culture, the evolution of national consciousness, and the synthesis of Puerto Rican and American cultural values.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The goal is to understand how Laviera constructs a new, hybrid identity that rejects forced assimilation while advocating for a humane, multicultural "new America."
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The study employs a close-reading literary analysis, informed by the socio-cultural frameworks of Juan Flores regarding Puerto Rican identity and the awakening of national consciousness.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the structural and linguistic elements of the poem, the thematic progression of the stanzas, and the poet's strategic use of bilingualism and music to define the Nuyorican experience.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is best defined by terms such as AmeRícan, Nuyorican, identity, migration, Spanglish, integration, and cultural hybridity.
How does Laviera use the word "AmeRícan" as a linguistic tool?
Laviera creates a new formation by combining "American" and "Rícan" (from Puerto Rican), creating a pun that signifies the poet's unique identity as a bridge between two cultures.
Why is the final exclamation "America!" in the poem considered ambiguous?
The final exclamation is seen as an affirmation of the poet's "second land" while simultaneously acknowledging the ongoing "altercation" and the necessity of realizing a more humane, inclusive version of the United States.
- Quote paper
- Agnes Bösenberg (Author), 2003, "AmeRícan" by Tato Laviera: A Puerto Rican in New York, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/14817
