The \Black-mom\ in the Brazilian literature: the ambiguity as social construction (1880-1950)

Author(s)

Rafaela de Andrade Deiab

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD)
• Defense date: 2006-09-15

Examining board members

Lilia Katri Moritz Schwarcz; Sidney Chalhoub; Maria Lucia Aparecida Montes

• Advisor: Lilia Katri Moritz Schwarcz

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to study the collective memory formed around the figure of \"mãe-preta\" (Black-Mom). For this purpose, I have taken as object of study the literary representations of \"mãe-preta\" (black-mom) between 1880 and 1950. This is the main period in which an interpretation of slavery was established. Therefore, the representations of \"mãe-preta\" (black-mom) are a way of having access to the paradoxical interpretations of Brazilian slavery and its legacy. My hypothesis is that, although this violent and arbitrary institution could not be forgotten, it could at least be remembered in its more intimate and affective ways or as a \"producer of a mixed culture\". Nevertheless, it seems that intimacy and affection are not capable of breaking up with social difference and hierarchy. Ambiguous representations of \"mãe-preta\"? (black-mom) in Brazilian literature are built exactly on this tension. (AU)