The problem of race in the novel O mulato: an interpretation of Aluísio Azevedo´s novel and its relationship to the press at the time

• Grant number: 12/25085-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - History - History of Brazil
• Principal Investigator: Sidney Chalhoub
• Grantee: Amanda Servidoni Jodas
• Host Institution: Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas (IFCH). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In this research I seek to analyze the relationship between racial theories and literature in Brazil during the nineteenth century, focusing especially on the naturalist novel O Mulato, by Aluísio Azevedo. The main objective of the research is to investigate scientific, literary, and personal aspects that helped to shape the novel. My primary concern is with racial prejudice and how there emerged scientific discourses that defended the existence of sharp differences among the human races. Furthermore, I intend to take into consideration the activities of Aluísio Azevedo as a journalist at the time of the publication of the novel, with special emphasis on articles he published at the time in the press of São Luiz, Maranhão, his hometown. (AU)