1st Edition
A Re-mapping of Womanhood and Creativity A Literary and Depth Psychological Perspective
Acknowledgements
Preface: Lay of the Land: A Mother Map
Chapter 1: Introduction
To Be Indigenous on this Land: Searching for a Matrilineal Legacy
Chapter 2: Feminine Identity and a Matrilineal Legacy in the Life and Work of Anaïs Nin
(Cuba, France, and the United States)
Chapter 3: The Individuation Path of a Mexican Woman: Fuerte y Desahogada (Strong and Undrowned)
(Mexico and the United States)
Chapter 4: In Search of My Mother’s Mythos
(Tucson, Arizona; Santa Barbara, California)
Chapter 5: Seasons of My Discontent
Epilogue: Cartography of the Feminine Gaze
Index
Biography
Clara Oropeza, PhD, is a Professor of English Composition and Literature at Santa Barbara City College. Her research combines literary studies, comparative mythology, feminist and cultural theory, and depth psychology. She is the author of Anaïs Nin: A Myth of Her Own and various essays. She received her BA and MA in English Literature from California State University, Los Angeles, and her PhD in Comparative Mythology and Literature with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.
'In A Re-mapping of Womanhood and Creativity: A Literary and Depth Psychological Perspective, Clara Oropeza explores the profound impact of mother-daughter relationships on our personal and creative lives. Oropeza illuminates how our mothers, both biological and literary, empower us to claim our place as artists in the world. This book is sure to spark important conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women of color in claiming our creative power and healing the mother wound.'
Reyna Grande, author of The Distance Between Us
'Join Dr. Oropeza in A Re-mapping of Womanhood and Creativity on a scholarly and deeply personal journey as she explores the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, creativity, and identity. This book offers a fresh perspective on the ways in which women can re-map their lives, challenging patriarchal norms, and reclaim their feminine gaze. This book is a must-read for scholars and individuals interested in feminist theory, depth psychology, and literary studies, as well as anyone looking to explore the transformative power of maternal relationships.'
Nora Strejilevich, PhD, author of A Single Numberless Death
'A Re-mapping of Womanhood and Creativity examines the lives of multicultural women across generations. Oropeza taps into her personal experiences to access her matrilinear legacy and a deep connection into how it inspires her creativity. Oropeza contributes a fascinating psychological analysis of Anaïs Nin’s creativity, voice, and feminine imagery as she dives into the formative relationship between Nin and her mother. This book is important as it comes to fruition at a key moment in history, when the lives of women are evermore threatened by a patriarchal order attempting to gain control.'
Sylvie Eve Blum-Reid, PhD, University of Florida, editor of Impressions from Paris: Women Creatives in Interwar Years France
