Glossary
"Mujer Negra"
A powerful 1975 poem by Nancy Morejón that narrates the historical journey of a Black Cuban woman, from slavery through the Cuban Revolution, embodying themes of strength, resilience, and liberation.
Example:
The poem "Mujer Negra" is a cornerstone of AP Spanish Literature, offering a unique perspective on Cuban history and identity.
Asimilación y marginalización
Sub-themes within 'Sociedades en contacto' that examine how individuals or groups are either absorbed into a dominant culture (assimilation) or pushed to the fringes of society (marginalization).
Example:
The narrator's initial lack of identity and name for her son exemplifies the profound marginalización experienced by enslaved people.
Barracón
A large building or barracks, typically associated with the living quarters for enslaved people on plantations, symbolizing oppression and dehumanization.
Example:
The stark image of the barracón vividly portrays the harsh realities of the narrator's past under slavery.
Cuban Revolution
A significant political and social upheaval in Cuba (1953-1959) led by Fidel Castro, which overthrew the Batista dictatorship and established a communist government, promising equality and worker ownership.
Example:
The narrator's active participation in the liberation movement directly reflects the ideals and struggles of the Cuban Revolution.
Identidad y Cultura
An AP Spanish Literature theme that explores how personal and collective identity is shaped by cultural heritage, traditions, and historical experiences, particularly in the context of Afro-Cuban identity in this poem.
Example:
The poem's exploration of the narrator's African roots and her pride in her heritage directly addresses the theme of identidad y cultura.
La Introspección
An AP Spanish Literature theme focusing on self-reflection, the examination of one's own thoughts and feelings, and the journey of discovering or reclaiming personal identity.
Example:
The narrator's journey from nameless slave to empowered revolutionary is a profound act of la introspección, as she reclaims her history and self-worth.
Nancy Morejón
A prominent contemporary Cuban poet, essayist, and critic whose work often explores politics, history, and Afro-Cuban identity. She is celebrated for giving voice to the Black experience and the impact of history on identity.
Example:
Students studying 'Mujer Negra' gain valuable insight into Afro-Cuban identity by understanding the background of its author, Nancy Morejón.
Poetic Voice
The distinct personality or perspective through which a poem is narrated, influencing the tone, style, and message conveyed to the reader.
Example:
The powerful, first-person poetic voice of the unnamed Black woman allows readers to intimately experience her journey from oppression to liberation.
Repetición (Repetition)
The literary device of repeating words, phrases, or lines for emphasis, rhythm, or to create a sense of unity and collective identity.
Example:
The powerful repetición of 'Nuestra la tierra' underscores the collective ownership and shared destiny of the liberated people.
Sierra Maestra
A mountain range in southeastern Cuba that served as a strategic hideout and base of operations for Fidel Castro's revolutionary forces during the Cuban Revolution.
Example:
When the narrator declares 'Bajé de la Sierra Maestra,' it immediately connects her personal struggle to the broader historical fight for liberation.
Siglo XX / Poesía femenina moderna
Refers to the 20th century and a literary movement characterized by a focus on female perspectives, experiences, and the reclamation of identity, often with revolutionary undertones.
Example:
The narrator's journey of self-reclamation firmly places 'Mujer Negra' within the tradition of Siglo XX / Poesía femenina moderna.
Simbolismo (Symbolism)
The use of objects, people, or ideas to represent something else, often abstract concepts, adding deeper layers of meaning to a text.
Example:
The recurring image of birds in 'Mujer Negra' serves as powerful simbolismo for the narrator's newfound freedom and hope.
Sociedades en contacto
An AP Spanish Literature theme that explores the interactions and conflicts between different cultures, social groups, or individuals, often highlighting issues of power, assimilation, and marginalization.
Example:
The poem powerfully illustrates sociedades en contacto through the stark contrast between the enslaved narrator and her oppressive master.
Themes of "Mujer Negra"
The central ideas and messages conveyed in the poem, including strength, resilience, identity, race, the historical experience of Black women in Cuba, oppression, and liberation.
Example:
Understanding the interconnected themes of "Mujer Negra" is essential for a comprehensive analysis of Morejón's powerful message.
Versos libres (Free verse)
A poetic form that does not adhere to a regular meter, rhyme scheme, or stanza structure, allowing for greater flexibility and a more natural, conversational rhythm.
Example:
Morejón's use of versos libres in 'Mujer Negra' mirrors the narrator's journey towards freedom, breaking away from traditional poetic constraints.