Resumo
Ao Entardecer (Contos Vários), published in 1901 by Alfredo d'Escragnolle Taunay (Visconde de Taunay), is a collection of six short stories that delve into human emotions, societal contrasts, and poignant life moments in Brazil.
The stories explore themes of loss, love, ambition, and moral dilemmas, often set against rural and urban backdrops.
"Pobre Menino!" portrays a terminally ill boy’s journey on a train, his feverish musings, and his parents’ despair, observed by a compassionate narrator.
"Ciganinha" follows the spirited, rebellious daughter of a downtrodden mother, whose wild antics reflect her father’s gypsy legacy. "Cabeça e Coração" and "Uma Vingança" examine personal conflicts and retribution, while "Rapto Original" humorously recounts a botched elopement driven by youthful passion. "O Estorvo" darkly narrates a man’s resentment toward his unrefined wife, culminating in her sudden death, leaving him with guilt and relief.
Taunay’s vivid prose captures the emotional depth and societal nuances of 19th-century Brazil.