Beastly Tales of Cowardice

This Creative Thesis provides a story cycle narrative following the titular protagonist and supporting characters as their lives progress beyond the limits of their small, South Texas town. Concentrating on themes of failure, longing, and cowardice, particularly masculine cowardice, the work is equal parts bildungsroman and kunstlerroman and delves into the generational migrations of the South Texas/Mexican-American Diaspora. This work also concentrates on generational concerns and differences, particularly with coded dialogue and exploration of what has been termed "geek" culture. The writing style is heavily influenced by authors like Philip Roth, Bernard Malamud, and Americo Paredes. Additionally, the work is research intensive, and, in order to provide a high degree of verisimilitude, interviews were conducted, especially in regards to various generational impressions of popular and social climates.