아시아계 미국인 문학에 나타나는 정체성과 동화에 관한 연구 ―메릴린 친과 캐시 송의 시를 중심으로

Abstract

This study aims to explore Asian-American literature through the works of “How I Got That Name: an essay on assimilation” of Marilyn Chin, “Sunworshippers” of Cathy Song, Asian-American writers who are writing poems that go beyond alienation to mutual human subjects. It would be meaningful for us facing the Diaspora era to track down the movements of two Asian-American female writers who have reached their peak in American literary circles. We are going to look at the mental, physical scars and painful growth of assimilation, and the process of suffering from consciousness to become a mainstream writer with subjective thinking. The theme of assimilation for Asian-American writers to ideal American is the most important and sensitive issue, and the history of pain, hurt, antagonism and growth remains in their works. As the term Asian-Americans defines, they are citizens already living on the basis of life in United States. They want to be recognized as equal Americans, not as any more foreigners. Although the Asian themes that are bound to be revealed in their works are based on their blood-related backgrounds, it should be taken as a part of the process in which writers explore their past for their works. The literature they seek is neither Asian nor American. They want pieces that contain their own self that are naturally mixed with. Any further action to define stereo types or literary tendencies for Asian Americans should be avoided. Human culture has been steadily growing and developing. As such, literature will sometimes be mixed and sometimes create new forms through constant search for change.