Date of Award

2026-05-01

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Creative Writing

Advisor(s)

Tim Z. Hernandez

Abstract

This thesis, Blood, Stone, and Steel, explores the intergenerational impact of trauma, memory, and history through a unique blend of poetry, photography, and personal family narratives. Drawing on archival materials, family photographs, and the tradition of documentary poetry, the work investigates how the legacy of war and immigration shapes identity across generations. Inspired by Marianne Hirsch's concept of postmemory, the author examines inherited memories and their affective transmission, focusing on the experiences of her great-grandfather - a German immigrant and WWI veteran - and the subsequent effects on her family. The narrative is structured in three parts: BLOOD, reflecting loss and inherited trauma; STEEL, chronicling the devastation and transformation wrought by war; and STONE, symbolizing rebuilding and adaptation in a new land. Through poetic reimagining, historical documents, and visual artifacts, the thesis interrogates questions of belonging, assimilation, and the ethics of remembrance. It situates personal history within broader social and national contexts, offering a meditation on how stories, images, and creative expression can both document and heal the wounds of the past. Ultimately, the project demonstrates the power of art and narrative to bridge generational divides, reclaim identity, and foster empathy in the face of historical catastrophe.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

98 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Jennifer Camplair Hassell

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