As mother, as daughter

the reduction of the female universe in Memórias de um Sargento de Milícias

Abstract

From the reading of Memórias de um sargento de milícias by Manuel de Antônio Almeida, this paper proposes to establish a counterpoint between the contexts and living experiences of the feminine characters Maria-da-Hortaliça, mother of Leonardo Filho, and Luisinha, his love interest. Through the reflections presented, the way the writer shows the structures of thought delimited at the end of the XIX century is stated to build windows that helps the contemporary reader to see the details and nuances of a society that still lives in ours. At the same time, the study aims to demonstrate how thoughts, conceptions, and social structures could reduce the feminine universe to the limits of the house, the taking care of the family, and the search for love interests. Therefore, this paper is based on bibliographic research processes, relying on the notes and theories of authors such as Candido (2000, 2014, 2015), Del Priore (2011), Dhoquois (2003), and Schwarz (1987). Finally, more than verifying the reduction and limitation of the feminine universe, scenes of domestic violence were recognized along the classic narrative, as well as socio-economic interests towards female characters whose heritage could represent a new life and reality for the ones who conquer it. Thereby, beyond the reduction of the feminine universe, we see the objectification of the female figure in Memórias de um sargento de milícias.