AUTO DA COMPADECIDA - ARIANO SUASSUNA - Resumão #21

Summary

This video provides a detailed overview of *O Auto da Compadecida* by Ariano Suassuna, focusing on the play's key themes, characters, and plot. Set in Brazil's Northeastern region, it explores the lives of the oppressed, led by the clever João Grilo and cowardly Chicó, who use wit to navigate a corrupt society. The narrative weaves elements of comedy, satire, and metaphysical reflection on life, death, and morality. The play critiques class divisions, religious hypocrisy, and societal injustices, highlighting the importance of cleverness, divine intervention, and female power, particularly through the character of Our Lady.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ariano Suassuna, the author of *O Auto da Compadecida*, was born in Paraíba and later moved to Pernambuco, where he spent much of his childhood.
• 😀 Suassuna is known for his contribution to modern Brazilian theater, with *O Auto da Compadecida* being one of his most important works.
• 😀 The play, first performed in 1955, is divided into three acts, and includes a mix of theatrical and circus performances.
• 😀 The character of the palhaço (clown) serves as an alter-ego for the author, reflecting his voice and perspective within the play.
• 😀 The central characters João Grilo and Chicó represent the oppressed, with João Grilo symbolizing cunning and Chicó representing cowardice and dishonesty.
• 😀 Other characters, like the corrupt clergy (Padre, Bispo, Sacristão) and Major Antônio Morais, symbolize societal hierarchy and exploitation.
• 😀 The play deals with themes of social inequality, with characters representing different societal classes: the wealthy, clergy, bourgeoisie, and oppressed workers.
• 😀 *O Auto da Compadecida* incorporates elements of *literatura de cordel*, a traditional form of Brazilian poetry, enriching the play with regional culture and humor.
• 😀 A key plot element involves João Grilo’s cunning tricks, including deceiving the clergy with a fabricated dog burial and creating the illusion of a money-producing cat.
• 😀 The play also explores themes of life, death, and the afterlife, with a significant focus on Catholic morality and the moral judgment of characters after their deaths.
• 😀 Through humor and satire, Suassuna critiques the hypocrisy of the church and the corrupt elements within society, offering a deeper reflection on justice, redemption, and social fairness.

Q & A

Who is the author of *O Auto da Compadecida* and what are some key aspects of his biography?

The author of *O Auto da Compadecida* is Ariano Suassuna. He was born in Paraíba but moved to Pernambuco due to political issues, particularly after his father, a political figure, was murdered. Suassuna studied law in Recife but dedicated much of his life to theater, becoming one of Brazil's greatest modern dramatists. He also founded the Armorial Movement, which sought to preserve and promote Brazilian popular art, especially that of the Northeast.

What is the structure of *O Auto da Compadecida* and how is the play divided?

The play *O Auto da Compadecida* is divided into three acts, each resembling the chapters of a novel. The play is unique in that it includes a 'circus within a play' structure, where a circus performance frames the dramatic events. This blending of genres adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling.

What does the character of the clown represent in *O Auto da Compadecida*?

The clown in *O Auto da Compadecida* serves as the voice of the author, Ariano Suassuna, and acts as a sort of alter-ego. He organizes the acts and provides commentary, reflecting the author's perspective on the events and themes of the play.

What are the key character traits of João Grilo and Chicó in the play?

João Grilo and Chicó represent the poor and oppressed in Brazilian society. João Grilo is clever, using wit and trickery to navigate his world, while Chicó is characterized by cowardice, lying, and a tendency to invent tall tales. Together, they form a comedic duo, with João Grilo acting as the more resourceful of the two.

How does the play address social class and power dynamics?

The play portrays a clear social hierarchy, with powerful figures like the major (landowner) and the church at the top, followed by the bourgeoisie (represented by the baker and his wife), and the poor at the bottom, exemplified by João Grilo and Chicó. The play highlights the exploitation of the lower classes, who often use cunning and deceit as means of survival.

What is the significance of the religious characters in *O Auto da Compadecida*?

The religious characters in the play are divided into two groups. The corrupt church figures (the priest, bishop, and sacristan) represent the moral failings within the institution. In contrast, the friar represents the 'pure' church, one that has not been corrupted. The Virgin Mary, represented as the Compadecida, plays a critical role in interceding on behalf of the sinners in the afterlife.

What role does the afterlife play in the plot of *O Auto da Compadecida*?

In the final act, the characters experience a judgment in the afterlife, where the Virgin Mary and Jesus determine their fates. João Grilo uses his wit to secure a second chance, while other characters face divine justice. The afterlife acts as a metaphor for moral judgment, highlighting themes of sin, redemption, and intercession.

How does the play incorporate elements of traditional Brazilian culture, specifically from the Northeast?

Suassuna incorporates elements of Northeastern Brazilian culture by referencing traditional storytelling, such as *literatura de cordel* (a form of popular poetry), and integrating these elements into the play's structure. The play is rich in regional language, humor, and cultural references, celebrating the unique customs, folklore, and beliefs of the Northeast.

What does the play say about the role of women in society, as represented by the character of the Virgin Mary?

The play places a significant emphasis on the power of women through the character of the Virgin Mary, or the Compadecida. She intercedes on behalf of the characters in the afterlife, demonstrating maternal care and the power of compassion. This highlights the strength and influence of women, particularly in moral and spiritual matters.

How does *O Auto da Compadecida* critique the church and its members?

The play critiques the church by portraying its corrupt members, such as the priest, sacristan, and bishop, who exploit their positions for personal gain. Through these characters, Suassuna critiques the hypocrisy and moral failings within religious institutions. The friar, however, represents the purity of faith, contrasting with the corruption of the others.