Federico Gamboa and Aluísio Azevedo

México, Brasil and catolicism in the International Naturalist

Abstract

Novels of naturalist movement around the world are usually analyzed using European works as paradigm. Although this bias cannot be entirely disregarded, this article proposes a comparative reading of two Latin American authors, Aluísio Azevedo (Brazil) and Federico Gamboa (Mexico), based on their respective novels O mulato e Santa. Both books are characterized by their approachs to Catholic religiosity, wich is a common background shared by Brazil and Mexico. Despite this connection, these novels presented a quite diverse point of view: while O mulato adopts an evident anti-clerical position, targeting representatives of the Catholic institution, Gamboa seeks a deeper understanding of Catholic religiosity. Through experimental novel methods, Gamboa constructs a critical yet comprehensive interpretation of the significance of religion in the lives of his characters, particularly the prostitute Santa, who lends her name to his book.