The civilizing argument about literacy, reading and writing in literary romance “Os Analphabetos” by João Gumes (1928)

Abstract

The literary novel Os Analphabetos written by the Brazilian author João Gumes (1858-1930) and published in 1928 is marked by discussions about literacy, reading and writing. In this novel, narrator and characters debate relevant theme at national level: illiteracy. The hero and principal character is Zézinho, which improves your mainly activity with your father (Marcolino) in a popular market, where he knew a literate friend at the same age. Then, Zézinho starts to read a despite its forbidden by the father. After aggressions, Zézinho escapes to Minas Gerais State. After many day-to-day life difficulties, he decided to return home for visiting his parents. When, he arrived, Zézinho discovered instead transmitting letters written and send by himself to his father Marcolino, your neighbor André stolen his father, who was deceived.  This event change in a little way the father’s conception about literacy, reading and writing. The novel addresses these three themes through the civilizing argument of national progress, divided into a reflection on: illiteracy such as an abnormality, comparing it with blindness; good moral and patriotic affection; good versus evil moral. Therefore, this point of view follows the hygienist ideal constructed at that historical period.