Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Date

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

English

Committee Chair

Courtney Santo

Committee Member

Eric Schlich

Committee Member

Sarai Walker

Abstract

Negative Spaces is a collection of mildly linked stories that explores the nuances of Black experience, particularly within the context of Southern family dynamics. Through themes of familial expectations, intimacy, identity, and self-preservation, this collection rejects the one size fits all trauma porn outline often imposed onto Black narratives, challenging the widely adopted assumptions shaped by society’s critical gaze. These stories navigate between rural and urban neighborhoods, examining the tensions between obligations and personal autonomy. Stories such as “U-turn at the Intersection” and “Bona Fides,” explore the weight of historical and personal legacies, while “Outskirts” considers being an other within a group of others, addressing further themes of authenticity and loneliness. By focusing on interiority, relationships, and everyday decisions, Negative Spaces works to reveal characters working to build meaningful lives while resisting letting their world revolve around their problems.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.”

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest/Clarivate.

Notes

Embargoed until 2099-12-01

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Available for download on Tuesday, December 01, 2099

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