Do progresso ao quarto de despejo: a “escrevivência” de Carolina Maria de Jesus

Abstract

The present thesis aims to analyze how Carolina Maria de Jesus perceives the contradiction between the idea of progress and the favela from the book Quarto de despejo: diário de uma favelada. For this purpose, a discussion was made on the relationship between History and Literature, arguing how Literature can contribute as a historical source for the historian's work using the concept of "escrevivência". The relationship between the favela and Brazilian society was also addressed, arguing how the favela is an extension of the senzala since the abolition of slavery in the country. In addition, the concept of favela was approached, understanding what this phenomenon is in Brazil, specifically in São Paulo, and contextualizing the place of writing of Carolina Maria de Jesus' work. Finally, the concept of coloniality was used to think about the formation of the modern/colonial world and showed how the favela exposed by the author in her work is an example of this contradiction between the idea of progress and the social and historical reality of Brazil. Therefore, our work aims to contribute to the debate on literature as a historical source, the relationship between the favela and Brazilian society, as well as to the understanding of the contradictions and inequalities present in our history.