A perspectiva científica de Monteiro Lobato na obra O poço do Visconde: um estudo à luz da história da ciência

Abstract

This study focuses on the analysis of the book The Viscount s well (1937) by José Bento Monteiro Lobato (1882-1948). In order to do so, the point of departure is a discussion of the historical, scientific and philosophical elements that knitted together the context within which this work was written. In this way it was possible to understand that Lobato s true idolatry of the United States, his emphasis on the need to invest in science and particularly, in the extraction of oil as well as his defense of a new model of schools were related to his unconditional patriotism and the dream of Brazil as economically strong as to ensure the wellbeing of all its inhabitants. However, a thorough review of the secondary literature devoted to studies on Lobato s works for children showed a significant lack of approaches holding historical context as an element of paramount importance. In this way, it is concluded that this omission leads to serious distortions in the understanding of the writings of Monteiro Lobato and significantly hinders the accurate assessment of his production. Conversely, by interfacing Science and Literature, it is possible to revise the judgment of many scholars who attached to Monteiro Lobato unfitting labels