Fogo Morto: Analysis of Major Characters
"Fogo Morto" is a narrative that delves into the complexities of societal class struggles in a historical context, primarily focusing on the lives of its major characters. The story features José Amaro, a crippled saddlemaker whose sense of inferiority and scorn leads to his tragic demise as he grapples with disillusionment and isolation. Antonio Silvino, a bandit, initially garners admiration from Amaro but ultimately becomes a source of disappointment. Captain Victorino Carneiro da Cunha stands out as a courageous lawyer who challenges the power dynamics of the wealthier classes, advocating against cruelty and injustice despite personal risks.
Colonel Lula César de Holanda Chacón, owner of the failing Santa Fe plantation, represents the consequences of mistreatment towards his former enslaved workers, while Colonel José Paulino, owner of the successful Santa Clara plantation, exemplifies the benefits of humane labor practices. The narrative also incorporates characters such as Leandro, a supportive friend to Amaro, and Lieutenant Mauricio, a harsh army officer symbolizing the oppressive regime. Through these characters, "Fogo Morto" presents a rich tapestry of human experience, exploring themes of power, social justice, and personal despair.
Fogo Morto: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: José Lins do Rego
First published: 1943
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paraíba, Brazil
Plot: Historical
Time: 1848–1900
José Amaro (zhew-ZAY ah-MAH-rew), a crippled saddlemaker. Embittered by his failures, he hides his sense of inferiority and his cowardice under a cloak of scorn, especially for the district's wealthy plantation owners. Finally, disillusioned in his fight against the aristocrats, deserted by his family, and friendless, he commits suicide.
Antonio Silvino (ahn-TOH-nyew seel-VEE-new), a bandit who inspires the admiration but later the disillusionment of José Amaro.
Captain Victorino Carneiro da Cunha (veek-toh-REEnew kahr-NAY-rew dah KEWN-yah), a penniless lawyer who is connected with the best families but censures their misuse of power. Regardless of the cost to himself, he fights courageously against cruelty and injustice.
Colonel Lula César de Holanda Chacón (LEW-lah see-ZUR deh oh-LAHN-dah shah-KOHN), the owner of the Santa Fe sugar plantation. Deserted by his emancipated black slaves because of his cruel treatment in the past, Holanda Chacón sees his sugar refinery doomed to become a place of dead fires.
Colonel José Paulino (pow-LEE-new), the owner of the Santa Clara plantation. Paulino's humane treatment of his field hands causes Santa Clara to prosper in contrast to doomed Santa Fe.
Leandro (lay-AHN-drew), a kindly black hunter and friend of Amaro.
Sinha (SEE-nyah), Amaro's wife.
Lieutenant Mauricio (mow-REE-syew), a cruel army officer.
Captain Tomás Cabral de Malo (toh-MAHS kuh-BRAHL deh MAH-lew), the father-in-law of Holanda Chacón.
Quinca Napoleon (KEEN-kuh), the prefect of Pilar, a victim of Silvino.
Laurentino (low-RAYN-tee-new), a house painter and neighbor of Amaro.
Floripes (floh-REE-pehs), the black overseer of the Santa Fe plantation and an enemy of Amaro.
Torcuato (tohr-KWAH-tew), a blind man accused of being a spy and beaten by Lieutenant Mauricio.