Abstract: I Am Joaquin is a classical epic poem written by the Chicano poet Rudolf Gonzales.The poem narrates that Joaquin,as a representative of the Chicano people,exists everywhere across time and space,thus becomes the symbol of the manifold facets of their identity.It also describes all the ethnic groups’ bloody fights in the formation of the new nationality “Chicano” and their dilemma in the White-dominated society.The Chicano people have long fought for maintaining their unique culture and earning the equal rights with the Whites,and finally achieved success.

Key words: I Am Joaquin；Chicano；identity；culture maintenance, symbol