Analysis of The Slum by Aluísio de Azevedo

Naturalism in Aluísio de Azevedo's The Slum

The Slum (O Cortiço) is a masterpiece of Brazilian literature by the author Aluísio de Azevedo. It is highly acclaimed and frequently featured in Brazil's major entrance exams, known as vestibulares. This work stands as a definitive hallmark of Naturalist literature. Read our review of the book below:

João Romão and the Pursuit of Wealth

The narrative chronicles João Romão's saga toward enrichment. To accumulate capital, he exploits his employees and resorts to theft to achieve his goals. João is the ambitious owner of the tenement, the tavern, and the quarry. His lover, Bertoleza, helps him tirelessly, working from Sunday to Sunday without rest.

The Rivalry Between João Romão and Miranda

In opposition to João stands Miranda, a well-established trader. A fierce rivalry ensues between the two over a fathom of land they both wish to purchase to expand their properties. Lacking consensus, their relationship suffers temporary disruptions.

Jealous of Miranda’s higher social status, João works earnestly and endures hardships to surpass his opponent's wealth. However, one event shifts the tenement owner's perspective: when Miranda receives the title of Baron, João realizes that money alone is insufficient. He believes he must also attain a recognized social position, frequent exquisite environments, buy fine clothes, attend the theater, read novels, and actively participate in civic life.

Environmental Influence and Social Decay

Parallel to this, the slum houses residents with lesser financial ambitions, such as Rita Baiana, Firmo, Jerônimo, and Piedade. A prime example of how the novel illustrates the environment's influence on man is the case of the Portuguese worker Jerônimo. Despite his previously exemplary life, he becomes infatuated with Rita Baiana. This attraction triggers a transformation in him, fundamentally changing his habits.

The Evolution into Vila João Romão

The relationship between Miranda and João improves once the merchant receives his title of Baron, securing his perceived superiority. To emulate his rival's achievements, João implements several changes in the tenement, which begins to take on aristocratic airs. Throughout the story, the slum itself evolves, losing its disorganized and miserable character to eventually become Vila João Romão.

The Tragic Fate of Bertoleza

The tenement owner grows closer to Miranda’s family and eventually asks for the merchant's daughter’s hand in marriage. However, Bertoleza stands as an obstacle. Noticing João Romão’s maneuvers to discard her, she demands her share of the wealth they accumulated together. To eliminate his mistress—who threatens his social mobility—João denounces her to her former owners as a fugitive slave. In a final gesture of despair as she is about to be captured, Bertoleza commits suicide, clearing the path for João Romão's wedding.