Analyze some ways that Hernandez discusses her relationship to language in the memoir.
This paper will be based on Daisy Hernandez’ memoir A Cup of Water Under My Bed. This paper will be 4-5 pages double spaced, and will be due before 12:15 on 5/17 via moodle upload.
Daisy Hernandez’ memoir is a narration of her life story and how the intersections of culture, gender, sexuality, spirituality, class, immigration, etc. play out in various dimensions of her life. Even as these intersections shape her experiences, she also pushes back in many ways against them. In this paper, I would like you to do 3 things:
1. Discuss some specific examples of her complex relationship to her culture/community. How does she both draw on and push back against the constructs of gender, religion, culture, sexuality etc. that she inherits from her background? (approximately 2 pages)
2. One key theme woven through her memoir is the role of language in her life. Analyze some ways that Hernandez discusses her relationship to language in the memoir. Please insert direct quotes (not too long – and insert page numbers in parentheses) in your response. (2 pages)
3. What are some parts of her story that you, on a personal level, connect with and why? You may use this as an opportunity to have a conversation with the author, or to just relate to very specific moments in the book and how they connect to your own lived experiences, i.e. your narration of your life. (1 pages minimum)
Some Tips:
• Draw on specific quotes and/or examples from the memoir (although no too long) to make your points.
• Work on the writing. Write, edit, and edit more.
• Unleash a combination of your creative and analytical skills and enjoy this paper
(at least as much as you can!)
