Abstract

Many historians and literary critics recognize the nineteenth-century Brazilian author, Nísia Floresta, as the first feminist in Brazil. "Nísia Floresta é considerada a precursora dos ideais feministas no Brasil. Desde o início de sua carreira literária, a defesa dos direitos femininos foi o tema mais recorrente em sua obra"(Castro 250). Her works, published in Brazil and also in France and Italy, influenced women across borders. This thesis will address the discourse on maternity and education found in her works Opúsculo humanitário, Direitos das mulheres e injustiças dos homens, A mulher, and Conselhos à minha filha. Focusing on gender equality and the position of women in society, Floresta's writings appeared in newspapers, pamphlets and books in the early nineteenth century. Contemporary scholars have given her the title of feminist though Floresta never called herself that, for she offered intriguing support for women's stereotypical role as mothers, as well as addressing the liberal notion of women's education. Floresta's publications are of great value due to the scarcity of women writers during her time and because she offers a rare feminine perspective on society both in Brazil and in Europe.

Degree

College and Department

Humanities; Spanish and Portuguese

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