Prudêncio and the pedagogy of slavery in Posthumous Memoirs

Abstract

The debate about Machado de Assis and slavery has not yet been resolved. It is Intended to demonstrate, through the analysis of the chapters “The boy is the father of the man” and “The rod” of the Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas that the Rio de Janeiro author denounces the violence of the servile system. The bibliographical support on the role of family and religion In the formation of children, applied to the relationships between Brás Cubas and Prudêncio, who, at different times (childhood and maturity) and In different environments (home and public square), learn and reinforce the pedagogy of violence (blessed by religion), In the reproduction of tension between being and opinion (public and private). Contrary to what criticism was admitted for a long time, Machado repelled slavery and its violence In the organization and control of that society.