Rhetorical aspects of religiosity and morality in Alexandre de Gusmão’s work

Authors

  • Isabel Scremin da Silva Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48075/rlhm.v20i35.31984

Abstract

This article discusses some theological notions, under a rhetorical perspective, presented in texts written by Alexandre de Gusmão (1629-1724), who worked for the Society of Jesus in Portuguese America between the 17th and 18th centuries. His catechetical discourses not only aimed at moralizing readers’ habits, but also followed the main documents from the Jesuit Order, adapting them to the contingencies placed in America. Besides, Gusmão’s writings offer a view of some famous controversies at that time, about the Virgin Mary’s Conception, the existence of Purgatory or the efficency of relics, for example. As it will be seen, these writings were related to processes of demonizing different religions and promoting practices of punishment and penitence among the audience.     

Published

07-08-2024

How to Cite

SCREMIN DA SILVA, I. Rhetorical aspects of religiosity and morality in Alexandre de Gusmão’s work. Journal of Literature, History and Memory, [S. l.], v. 20, n. 35, p. 1–18, 2024. DOI: 10.48075/rlhm.v20i35.31984. Disponível em: https://e-revista.unioeste.br/index.php/rlhm/article/view/31984. Acesso em: 9 jul. 2025.

Issue

Section

PESQUISA EM LETRAS NO CONTEXTO LATINO-AMERICANO E LITERATURA, ENSINO E CULTURA