A escrita como resistência : a estrutura epistolar e a crítica social em Herança de lágrimas, de Ana Plácido

Abstract

This paper analyzes the work Herança de Lágrimas (1871) by Ana Plácido, an epistolar novel that addresses themes such as adultery, social hypocrisy, and the struggles faced by women, reflecting the norms and prejudices of Portuguese society in the second half of the 19th century. Additionally, this study explores the biography of the author and the historical-literary context in which her literary production is situated, highlighting her stance on the norms and prejudices that shaped society during her time. The novel, partly written in the form of letters, allows for an in-depth immersion into the protagonist's inner world, promoting a reflection on her moral afflictions, stemming from the conflict between resignation and the desire for freedom. Throughout the study, the narrative elements of the work are analyzed, including its epistolary structure, the construction of the psychological realm of the characters, and the central themes of the narrative, such as arranged marriages, female repression, and the pursuit of independence. This paper also discusses the importance of rescuing and valuing Ana Plácido's literary production, considering its relevance to Portuguese literature in general, particularly in reflecting the social imagination of her time, marked by the transition from absolute monarchy to a more liberal regime, which brought to the forefront debates about individual rights, morality, and the role of women in society. Thus, it is hoped that this study will contribute to a critical reflection on the role of women in literature, especially by enriching the critical heritage of Herança de Lágrimas, undoubtedly an important milestone in 19th-century female writing.