GOOD WHITE ONES, BAD BLACK ONES: THE PROCESS OF HUMANIZATION ON WINDWARD HEIGHTS, BY MARYSE CONDÉ

Abstract

The Afrodescendant literature, unlike other literary manifestations, has the very specific goal of valorizing the qualities referring to black people, from its African roots. This implies being a critical text to the oppressive social system, both the time when black people could be enslaved by law, as in the post-abolitionism, due to denial of opportunities on racial nature. The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of black and white characters in the work Windward Heights, by Maryse Condé, to show that in literary works of African descent nature, rather than uncompromising defense of essentialism, representing man as a morally constituted, with virtues and flaws, can lead the reader to more adequate reflections to understand this man as a product of human relationships. The analysis takes into account the concept of humanization, by Antonio Candido. To support the discussion on the inclusion of Windward Heights as an Afrodescendant literary work appropriates here identifiers elements related by Eduardo de Assis Duarte and the concept of cultural hybridity, as Zilá Bernd approach. Whereas the obligation to promote studies of history and Afro-Brazilian culture in schools, in accordance with Law 11.645/2008, reading and mediation Windward Heights can constitute a valuable tool for understanding the construction of fictional characters as well representations developed non-fictional actors in their power relations.