Boarding House by Aluísio Azevedo: A Review
Author: Aluísio Azevedo
Main Characters: João da Mata, Pombinha, Laura, Dona Maria, Bertoleza and the Bonze
Boarding House, known as “O Cortiço” in its original language Portuguese, is a book I highly recommend for its captivating narrative and exploration of societal and human relationships. It was written by Aluísio Azevedo, a renowned author from Brazil, who does an excellent job of using his novel to portray the country’s diverse socio-economic scenarios of the late 19th century.
Nature of Human Relations & Society Portrayed in the Book
Boarding House deals with the harsh realities of life in a Brazilian tenement, highlighting human resilience and survival in the most challenging conditions. The book exposes various forms of oppression, prejudice, sexism, and dehumanisation.
The plot revolves around the various characters, their interpersonal relationships and their daily struggles. Azevedo’s writing is grounded and real, bringing forth to the reader the vividity of life within such confined spaces
Environmental Implications
On a larger scale, this novel holds a mirror to the growing concerns of the urbanisation of cities and the immediate environmental implications. Overpopulation, pollution, and space limitation are aspects that find poignant reflection in the book. From an environmental viewpoint, Boarding Houseechoes the threatening ecological crisis we are collectively living in.
FAQ
What is the main theme of the book?
The main theme of the book is the struggle and life of inhabitants living in a lower-class tenement in Rio de Janeiro during the 19th century. It further explores themes of societal norms, oppression, survival and relationships.
How does the book resonate with today’s society?
Boarding House remains applicable in modern times due to ongoing discussions around social class divisions, racism, sexism, and environmental crisis. It serves as a timeless piece of art that continues to provoke reflection and discussion.
Conclusion
Boarding House by Aluísio Azevedo, while no easy read, paints vivid images of a time and a societal cross-section that is rarely explored. The relationships among its inhabitants provide a wealth of material to study human emotions and the societal norms of the time. This book serves not just as a story, but as a historical piece reflecting the social environment of a bygone era. Beyond that, it serves as a grim reminder and warning about unchecked urbanisation and its environmental implications – a lesson that is all-too-relevant in our age of the Anthropocene.
