English Language and Literature ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-1-2021

Abstract

THANK YOU, JOHN is a comedy-tragedy memoir, following 24-year-old, Michelle Gurule, a queer, wanna-be writer, exasperated by poverty, bad teeth, and the poor choices of her family. With a Chicano father convinced aliens will eventually rule the world, and a White mother who’d maxed out her credit cards to feed her McDonald’s addiction, Michelle turns to Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul Sunday episodes for insight, which leads her to believe a sugar daddy arrangement is her density. As John becomes aware of the severity of Michelle’s family’s poverty, he leverages it against her, offering financial security for the lot of them in exchange for marriage and Michelle must decide between lifelong financial security for her and her family or the uncertain path of an artist.

Degree Name

MFA Creative Writing

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

English

First Committee Member (Chair)

Andrew Bourelle

Second Committee Member

Daniel Mueller

Third Committee Member

Lisa Chavez

Fourth Committee Member

Mark Sundeen

Fifth Committee Member

Sarah Viren

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Available for download on Wednesday, May 15, 2120

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