Women and their body-territory in Lygia Fagundes Telles’ literary landscape

a story of power, subjugation and violence

Abstract

This article reflects on the idea derived from the colonial and patriarchal system that the human body of citizens considered socially inferior, including women, the poor and non-white ethnic groups, can be objectified in favor of the current capitalist model. Therefore, through the analysis of the stories of two characters, Luciana and Frau Herta, from the novel Ciranda de pedra, by Lygia Fagundes Telles, it can be seen that traces originating from the slavery heritage are perceived in the speeches and attitudes of those who live with these two women. Attention is also paid to domestic work as often the only perspective or opportunity for women with little education or in more vulnerable conditions, as is the case of the characters in focus here. It can be seen, through the subjection of bodies, by themselves or others, often with the sole aim of survival, that the dominant logic has been based on violence against these bodies since the earliest times.