Date of Award
Spring 2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
English
Committee Chairperson
Lisa Konigsberg, Prof.
Committee Member
Eleanor Shevlin, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Peter Duval, Ph.D.
Abstract
Skin is an autobiographical book of free verse poetry written from the point of view of a female narrator. The poems in this book artfully depict both the futile struggles and moments of euphoria and self-revelation of a young woman who grew up in a broken home. The narrator uses her passion to form meaningful and deep relationships with other people, her sexuality, and her fascination and curiosity of the world around her as not only a coping mechanism, but also a form of self-expression. Each individual poem serves as a snapshot of a single moment in the narrator’s life; however, every piece comes together to tell a cohesive story that may integrate and explicate the diverse attitudes of the poems independently. Self-reflection is a main theme addressed in this book and it is important to note that the poems were written over the course of a ten-year period, so it may be considered a type of coming-of-age project as well. The intended audience for such a piece would primarily be, but is not excluded to, teenage and young adult women. This book is an emotional vessel for both memories gained and lessons learned through life, mistakes, love, and loss.
Recommended Citation
DiPaolo, Maria, "Skin" (2020). West Chester University Master’s Theses. 120.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_theses/120