Ciência e literatura nas idealizações dos perfis femininos do sertão ao litoral: o caso exemplar de Afrânio Peixoto

Abstract

The objective is to discuss the “profile of the women”, the idealization and the relations between science and literature starting
from the scientific and literary production of Afrânio Peixoto (1876-1947), emphazing the romantic scenes of Sinhazinha
(1929). The proposal is to notice how the romantic-scientist responded to the crescent insertion of women in diverse sections
of social life in Rio de Janeiro, in the beginning of the XX century. We understand that he searched the backlands of Bahia
the “ideal women'' idyllically thought as demure and cloistered, to normalize feminine behaviors “deviants” presents in the
large urban centers. The romance Sinhazinha is presented by Afrânio Peixoto as an alert to men, because even the most
pure of women can succumb to romantic love, which causes crimes in defense of honor. From that thought, permanent
guardianship male over the women emerges, who are considered by him as incapable of rationalizing feelings.