LITR 5731: Seminar in American Minority Literature
University of Houston-Clear Lake, fall 2001
Student Research Proposal

Jennifer Thurik

I would like to explore the use of magic and mysticism in minority literature.  Specifically focusing on Morrison and Anaya.  I will approach it from the aspect of the journal.  Focusing on the similarities that Pilate has with Ultima will be an aspect of this research along with the differences in thought between African and Mexican-Americans when examining the cultural differences that exist.

I will research various websites that deal with minority issues and how they are treated similarly or differently.  I will look at what others say about these two authors and their works.

If I find an abundance of information, I might change this into an essay over the same thing.  That is what I've been debating while considering this proposal.

Dear Jennifer,

Either a journal or an essay might suit this topic, so follow your instincts as your research and writing develop.

As I read your proposal and thought about what kind of research to suggest, it occurred to me that our dominant culture has very few positive terms for describing the kinds of roles that Pilate and Ultima fulfill in their communities. Alas, most of the terms that come to mind are usually negative or at least suspect, such as "witch." But minority or traditional cultures often regard such functions or people with respect. One term I heard in a course once for such people was "cunning person"--that in traditional communities there was often a person who knew how to help people find things, to interpret dreams, to protect or advise them in spiritual issues (though such issues might be expressed in a variety of ways that modern people would not associate with religion). Anyway, that term may help you find some research on these roles in traditional communities, if you like.

That could be a base from which either to develop more research or to unify an essay. If more research, you might investigate the particular identities of such people or women in the African American community and the Mexican Community--in the latter they're easier to locate thanks to curandera and other folk traditions. Another useful term may be shaman, which is not gender specific despite the "man" in the word.

Maybe magic realism can tie in. Anyway, it's a rich topic, so proceed and check in again as you like.