AS MÁSCARAS DAS PERSONAGENS FEMININAS NO ROMANCE ÚRSULA, DE MARIA FIRMINA DOS REIS

Abstract

In this work we present an analysis of the novel Úrsula (1859), by Maria Firmina dos Reis, thinking about the development of the narrative based on the process of construction of female characters, especially Úrsula and Susana, considering the influence of the misogynistic, racist and patriarchal society in which both characters were inserted. We will also analyze the theoretical discussion regarding the theme of slavery, taking into account that Úrsula and Susana lived in a slave society. It is important to highlight the observation regarding the experience of women, from different racial and social contexts, who fought for the same freedom, even though they belonged to different contexts. We will take a deeper look at this work by Maria Firmina do Reis, which should be much more than a novel, but in reality, a critical narrative about captivity, social structure, the value of the female figure, breaking with some thematic and structural frameworks addressed in the literary productions of the time. To theoretically support the discussions undertaken, we will dialogue with: Abreu (2013), Akotirene (2019), Duarte (2004), Evaristo (2021), Hooks (1995), Kilomba (2019), Saffiote (2004).