Since ancient times, literature has aimed to bring a reflection about the world we live in. Through analogies, metaphors and objects transfigured into other forms, we can capture valuable lessons. This is the case of the short story The sad story of Eredegalda This is the subject of debate among the most conservative class.

History

A powerful and proud king had three very beautiful daughters, one of whom stood out even more from the trio. Eredegalda, the most beautiful, was surprised by her father when he asked her to marry him. In addition to becoming his wife, the young woman would have her own mother as her personal maid As expected, the girl refused the offer, claiming the absurdity of the situation.

As punishment, the king built three connected towers and locked her inside, stating that she would only eat salted meat. In addition, she would be prohibited from drinking even a glass of water to quench her thirst Weeping blood, she asked her sisters for help, but they refused her, as did her mother, for both feared they would be killed by the king if they disobeyed.

When she accepted her father's proposal, he sent three knights, saying that the first one would marry her. When they arrived at the same time, they found that Eredegalda was already dead of thirst, surrounded by angels and Jesus Both believed they saw another angel coming from heaven, but it was the spirit of the girl, wearing veil and garland.

Interpretation

We can associate The sad story of Eredegalda to a period of transition from childhood to adulthood The paternal desire for the daughter denotes the substitution of the old for the new, where the daughter would take the place of the mother. Historically speaking, the posture of the female characters indicates a subversion to the male will.

Eredegalda's refusal to accept the proposal from her father and her own family indicates a reluctance with biological changes. This is because her tears of blood would directly refer to the girl's menstruation, indicating the beginning of adulthood The towers correspond to the passage from childhood to adolescence, adolescence to maturity, and maturity to death.

If we look at the story as a whole, we might suggest that this is an "Electra Complex" in reverse. At no point does Eredegalda yearn for her father's love and her mother's defeat in order to take his place. The young woman refuses the authority imposed by her father and does what she can to avoid it.

Representations

Even though Eredegalda's story causes discomfort by its outcome and elements, The posture of the characters indicates a lot about us. Figuratively speaking, many people and attitudes are represented in this tale, which allows reflection to those with an open mind. This is assumed in:

Authoritarianism

At the time in which the tale is depicted, the posture and words of men were said to be laws. Women, regardless of who they were, should serve them without question, complying with their every wish. Otherwise, just as in the story, they would be punished in the worst way. Barbarism and torture had no limits, as did the desire of the patriarchy .

Subservience

Her mother and her two sisters refuse to help the young girl for the same reason: fear of reprisal from the king.

In the 21st century, history repeats itself with similar characters, although in a different environment. The male figure still causes much fear for women, given our own social history Even in a brutal way, men are free to act brutally with them.

Defense

Youth of any age does not react well to any kind of authoritarian conventions Here she is represented by Eredegalda, who immediately refuses the absurdity proposed by her father. With the tools she possesses, she bravely fights not to give in to his direct will. Unfortunately, like many, she succumbs before a greater adversary.

Some elements to be observed

As said lines above, there are several minutiae regarding The story of Eredegalda It is necessary to take some time to better absorb the intention of the story. In general, these are the points worked on in the story:

Transition from youth to adulthood;

Authoritarianism of power;

Resistance against patriarchy;

Submission to the ruling power

Controversies

Because of the theme addressed in The sad story of Eredegalda An order issued by the Minister of Education, Mendonça Filho, worked to withdraw the book from the schools. The work While sleep does not come which includes The sad story of Eredegalda was seen as inappropriate by him .

Thus, although it had been evaluated by UFMG and met the criteria of the MEC itself, its distribution was barred. The minister evaluated the themes as incest, torture and death too strong for the children. On this path, the Ministry's partial decision should address other stories, since they start from similar themes For example, Little Red Riding Hood.

We can notice that the polemic was exclusively due to ideological stances regarding the themes. There is a conservatism impregnated in our times that inhibits an approach to themes that fit the child's development This is because, even though they are sensitive subjects for some adults, they help children to defend themselves from some evils.

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Final comments: The sad story of Eredegalda

The sad story of Eredegalda assumes that we must resist the impositions The character has principles that, when violated, evoke the will to resist. This directly reflects the struggle of youth against the wills of power. They don't always win, just like the character, but they leave valuable lessons.

Unfortunately, it seems, we need to evolve a lot when it comes to social education We deprive individuals of learning complicated subjects, believing that we are protecting them. If we take away information, their greatest weapon at any age, how are we going to provide them with weapons?

What's more, some issues get a furor because of the way they are presented. Even if you deal with delicate topics, the way you talk about them has a lot of influence. The message must be sent in a way that the individual understands according to his mental capabilities We must keep in mind that education is about much more than decorating the classroom.

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