Representações femininas em O dominó preto, de Florbela Espanca

Abstract

This research analyzes female representations in the short stories in the book O Dominó Preto (1982), by Florbela Espanca (1894-1930). Issues related to the subversion of stereotypes, the deconstruction of pre-existing ideas about women and the reflection of social norms are examined. Furthermore, the relationship between female representations and Florbela Espanca's personal experiences is presented. The research also adopts an interdisciplinary approach, using Stuart Hall's concepts to understand the cultural construction of representations through language, symbols and discursive practices. Still in the first chapter, Ruth Silviano Brandão's theory is incorporated for a critical analysis of female representations. In the second chapter, Florbela Espanca's personal experiences and Maria Lúcia Dal Farra's studies are combined for a better literary analysis of the female image in her works. The third chapter uses Stuart Hall's theory and contributions from Maria Lúcia Dal Farra to analyze nuances of female characters in the stories. The methodology used integrates cultural theory, literary analysis and critical approach. The wide diversity in female representations in O Domino Preto is discussed based on enigmatic, sensual, critical, violent and passionate figures. The in-depth analysis, supported by cultural and literary theories, highlights the complexity in representations, including the conflict between desire and erotic release, which reveals complexity in Florbela Espanca's feminine expressions.