O Cortiço

"O Cortiço," a novel by Aluísio Azevedo, depicts a crowded, impoverished neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro during the late 19th century. It explores the lives of diverse residents—including workers, merchants, and ex-convicts—highlighting their struggles, social interactions, and the influence of environment on behavior. The story addresses themes like social inequality, human nature, and the impact of community on personal destiny. Through vivid descriptions and character depth, the novel offers a realistic portrayal of urban life and the social dynamics shaping individuals in a marginalized setting.