About freedom: the reading of “A mãe de um rio”, by Agustina Bessa-Luís

Abstract

This essay investigates one of the formulations for the idea of freedom in the work of Agustina Bessa-Luís. As a starting point, we analyze two articles by the writer, included in the collection Alegria do mundo I, in which Agustina makes some observations about the standardization of human behavior and the need for a broader understanding of culture and history. Thereafter, another text is relevant to the argument developed. In “Da condição da mulher”, published in the aforementioned book, the writer makes notes on the roles of women and the meanings of freedom. After reading the texts, we come to the realization that Agustina emphasizes the importance of valuing non- -standard behavior, the relevance of the experience of living relationships, the demand for strength and action and the inevitable dialogue between freedom and responsibility. In order to establish a conversation with the writer’s critical thinking, we read the short story “A Mãe de um rio” (1959), a narrative in which the considerations present in the articles are present too. We also develop the idea of creation as one of the forms of freedom, in addition to other themes that are associated with the relationship between mother and river.