"whenever a people's energies are roused by compelling historical forces and quickened by the quest for new avenues of spiritual liberation and salvation its literature acquires epic dimensions. For indeed in times of social and spiritual upheaval some literature serves as a safety-valve and cries out with outrage and indignation against social ills and injustice. At such times literary expression responds to historical, psychological and social problems and bears an extremely close connection with life in general." Eliud Martinez, "I am Joaquin as Poem and Film: Two Modes of Chicano Expression."