Carnivals, Rogues, and Heroes: An Interpretation of the Brazilian Dilemma

By Roberto DaMatta

Book Overview

Encompassing half the continent of South America, Brazil is one of the most modern, complex, and misunderstood nations. Renowned Brazilian anthropologist Roberto DaMatta takes the misconceptions and offers a fresh, provocative interpretation of the complexity of social structure in Brazil. Using the tools of comparative social anthropology, DaMatta seeks to understand his native country by examining the values, attitudes, and systems that shape the identity of Brazil and its people. He probes the dilemma between the highly authoritarian, hierarchical aspects of Brazilian society and the concurrent desire for equality, democracy, and harmony in that same society. DaMatta leads us on a fascinating exploration into the the world of Brazilian carnivals, rogues, and heroes, and in so doing uncovers a deeper meaning of the rituals, symbols, and dramatizations unique to Brazil and its multifaceted society.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0268007802
• ISBN13: 9780268007805
• Release Date: February 1991
• Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Classic about Brazilian culture

This is probably the best book about Brazilian culture, from an anthropological perspective. DaMatta is at his best here.

Finally someone explained my country to me!

I'm brazillian leaving abroad since I was 27 years old. For many years I struggled to understand my own people, their glories and tragedies. I tried history books, tried politics, social-studies and other non-fiction books. Roberto DaMatta was the only author to make sense of such a complex society to me. There are many 'Brazils' and DaMatta is clear about it; but he is also a master of breaking down these complexities, via the analysis of its rituals. DaMatta offers provoking insigths into the rituals of carnival, street gambling, soccer, african religions and more. He also ties these rituals together in a superb and dramatic fashion. What an exciting author DaMatta is. I recommend this book to anyone *trully* interested in learning about Brazillians, especially to my fellow citizens that live in Brazil and struggle to make sense of so many paradoxes.