- Published: December 13, 2021
- Updated: December 13, 2021
- University / College: The University of Queensland
- Level: Undergraduate
- Language: English
- Downloads: 22
The Beginning and Development of a Slum The increasing demand for housing among immigrants has impelled Joao Romao to build a bustling and huge slum. Lawlessness and chaos became prevalent with the increasing number of residents in the slum. Azevedo depicted slum as a collective entity that is swarmed with life and the constant threat of death. A slum is characterized by chaos and tragedy (Azevedo 158). Tragedies occur with scarcely a period’s rest between them. Dramas or tragedies erupt on top of one another. This is clearly manifested by a fight between Rita and Piedade, which leads to a brawl among Brazilian and Portuguese mobs. This is interrupted by the arrival and threat of invasion from other gang of the nearby slum (Azevedo 158).
A slum becomes a suitable habitat for those who are immigrants, poor, drug addicts, and the like. The slum increasingly becomes a dangerous place to live in as the number of people increases. Azevedo portrayed how diverse ethnic groups such as Italians, Portuguese, Blacks, Amerindians, and more interact with one another (Azevedo 5). The growing number of inhabitants and absence of established laws facilitate commitment of crimes and illegal activities. “ The slum” chronicles how Jeronimo fell in love with Rita; however, Rita already has a mulatto lover. This has impelled Jeronimo to kill Firmo, Rita’s lover. Firmo was beaten like a mouse by three assailants without fear of being punished or appherended until he succumbed to death (Azevodo 146). Inhabitants of the slum also became easily associated or introduced to illegal activities. “ The slum” demonstrated how Pombinha was influenced by Leonie to be a call girl. In addition, inequality between men and women is prevalent in the slum as depicted by the relationship between Joao Romao and Bertoleza (Azevedo 2).
Work Cited
Azevedo, Aluisio. The Slum. USA: Oxford University Press, 2000. Print.