Denúncia da escravidão e humanização dos personagens negros: estratégias narrativas em “A Escrava”, de Maria Firmina dos Reis

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the narrative strategies employed by Maria Firmina dos Reis in the short story “A Escrava” (1887). The investigation starts from the hypothesis that Firmina dos Reis uses a series of narrative devices to highlight the brutality of slavery and humanize the Black characters, challenging the stereotypical representations of the time. Furthermore, the study seeks to explore how the short story aligns with the principles of Afro-Brazilian literature, addressing themes such as resistance, the preservation of Black memory, and the fight against slavery. Methodologically, the research is qualitative in nature, with a bibliographic and documentary approach, focusing on the analysis of the narrative techniques used by Firmina and the critical reception of Afro-Brazilian literature. The investigation examines theoretical variables, such as the strategies of denouncing the injustices of slavery and humanizing Black characters, and operational variables, including the analysis of specific passages from the short story and the narrative elements employed by the author. Thus, the analysis engages with the works of Walter Benjamin (1936) and Lígia Chiappini Leite (1985) regarding the narrative devices used. Additionally, Antonio Candido (1965) contributes to the understanding of the interactions between literature and society, while Eduardo de Assis Duarte (2008) emphasizes the significance of Firmina’s work within the context of Afro-Brazilian literature. The expected outcomes include demonstrating the relevance of “A Escrava” as a work that transcends its historical context, becoming significant for understanding Afro-Brazilian literature and the abolitionist discourse.