Central-American Testimonial Literature: An Approach to Civil War and Post-Civil War Testimonial Literature through a Law and Trauma-Informed Analysis

Abstract

This dissertation compromises thematically linked essays that evaluate Central American testimonial literature via an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating cultural theory alongside law- and trauma-informed analyses. It debates some of the early critics and definitions of “testimonio” based on form and the question of veracity. This study advocates for the use of alternative theoretical approaches that are far more inclusive in terms of indigeneity, race, sexuality, and gendered perspectives. To this end, this work incorporates a central analyzes of testimonio through the lens of the law, trauma, historical exegesis, grieveablity, social capital, necropolitics, and the notions of the will. Moreover, taken as a whole, these essays suggest that the definition and conceptualization of testimonial literature as a genre and cultural product require significant revision. Furthermore, this research posits that expanding beyond the novel form of testimonial literature will enrich ongoing debates about the effects of testimonio’s literary production in the field and society at large. Keywords: Central America, Testimonio, Cultural Theory, Trauma, Law, Indigeneity, Race, Sexuality, Gender.