Across three shores

Abstract

Three generations, three homes, and one body of water that binds despite the diaspora. This thesis -- a novel of vignettes-- explores the complexities within the microcosm of a multi-generational household, exploring the themes of generational trauma, cultural/gender expectations, and the pursuit and realization of self-worth. Through imagery and symbolism, mundane routines such as cooking, reminiscing in the garden, and even tea and coffee preferences reveal where the past and present bled together, painting a picture of inherited burdens and budding personal aspirations. The narrator's internal clash of individual and familial expectations is central to the piece. The yearning for independence is highlighted by her belief: "One day, I will get out of here." This idea has been echoed generation after generation as the family moves further and further away from their ancestral homelands. Through playful prose, layered symbolism, and characterizations, this piece takes a contemplative examination and approach to personal and familial histories intersecting and shaping the pursuit of identity and meaning.