O Cortiço | Análise Literária [Fuvest] - Brasil Escola

Summary

In this literature class, Professor Mirele Costa delves into Aluísio Azevedo's *O Cortiço*, a pivotal work in Brazilian naturalism. The novel examines the lives of characters in a Brazilian tenement, focusing on social dynamics and personal struggles within the setting of 19th-century Rio de Janeiro. Azevedo’s characters, including João Romão, Bertoleza, and Jerônimo, are shaped by their environment, revealing themes of ambition, exploitation, and transformation. Through an insightful analysis of the novel’s plot, characters, and symbolism, the professor explores the deep social commentary embedded in this landmark literary work.

Q & A

What literary movement is Aluísio de Azevedo associated with in 'O Cortiço'?

Aluísio de Azevedo is associated with the Naturalism movement, a literary approach that emphasizes a scientific and deterministic view of human nature, often focusing on the environment's impact on characters.

How is the setting of 'O Cortiço' important to the narrative?

The setting, primarily in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Botafogo, is crucial as it represents the social and economic divisions within the city. The contrast between the cortiço (tenement) and the sobrado (mansion) reflects class struggles and the harsh living conditions of the poor.

What role does the cortiço play in the story?

The cortiço itself is often considered the main character of the narrative. It undergoes a process of personification, symbolizing the oppressive environment that shapes the lives and behaviors of the inhabitants.

How does João Romão's character evolve throughout the story?

João Romão begins as an ambitious and hardworking man with the goal of becoming wealthy. Over time, he achieves wealth but becomes more corrupt and manipulative, willing to sacrifice others, including Bertoleza, to climb socially.

What does Bertoleza represent in the story?

Bertoleza represents the struggle for freedom and autonomy. She is a former slave who works to buy her freedom but is deceived by João Romão, who forges her letter of emancipation. Her tragic end highlights the social and economic oppression faced by women and former slaves.

How does the relationship between João Romão and Bertoleza reflect the theme of power and exploitation?

João Romão exploits Bertoleza’s labor and her dream of freedom, using her as a means to achieve his own goals. Their relationship highlights the themes of exploitation and inequality, as João Romão’s desire for social mobility leads him to mistreat her.

What is the significance of the character Rita Baiana in the narrative?

Rita Baiana, a sensual mulatta, introduces themes of sexual desire and social corruption. Her relationships with both Jerônimo and Firmo cause significant changes in Jerônimo’s behavior, reflecting the corrupting influence of the cortiço on its inhabitants.

What does the scene of the characters bathing in the water symbolize?

The scene where the characters bathe in the water is a vivid example of zoomorphism, where the characters are compared to animals. It underscores the dehumanizing environment of the cortiço and how the inhabitants are driven by basic, animalistic needs in a crowded, oppressive setting.

How does the character Pombinha's transformation reflect broader themes in the novel?

Pombinha starts as a pure, virginal character, but her eventual involvement with Leone and the founding of a brothel highlights the loss of innocence and the harsh realities that affect even the most idealistic characters. Her transformation is a commentary on the social and moral decay of the cortiço.

What is the final fate of Bertoleza, and what does it signify?

Bertoleza’s tragic death, after being confronted with the falsification of her letter of emancipation, symbolizes the ultimate defeat of the oppressed. Her choice to die rather than return to slavery reflects the depth of her suffering and the cruel social systems that trap individuals in cycles of exploitation.