Beyond the “Discreet & Beautiful” Façade: Portuguese Patriotism and Proto-Feminism in Angela de Azevedo’s El muerto disimulado

Abstract

This thesis endeavors to contribute to scholarly discourse by reevaluating the popular perception of Angela de Azevedo, a 17th-century Portuguese playwright known for her secular play El muerto disimulado. Challenging the conventional image of Azevedo as merely a passive figure of her era, this study positions her as a rebellious thinker with proto-feminist ideals and a staunchly patriotic self-image. Drawing upon Golden Age Theater scholarship, this research engages with Azevedo's works within the socio-political and cultural backdrops that shaped her life, offering a reimagined understanding of her contributions to early feminist literature. This thesis asserts that Azevedo's unique voice in literature transcends the traditional narratives of women's roles during the Spanish Golden Age, advocating for a reassessment of her place in the pantheon of proto-feminist writers. By analyzing El muerto disimulado, the study reveals Azevedo's skillful subversion of patriarchal norms and gender expectations, highlighting her sophisticated critique of societal constraints. Moreover, her deployment of Portuguese language and patriotic motifs within her works acts as a testament to her resistance against Spanish cultural dominance and her loyalty to her Portuguese heritage. In uncovering Azevedo's proto-feminist stance and nationalistic fervor, this thesis challenges existing scholarship and underscores the necessity for a broader recognition of her as an innovative playwright who dared to confront and question the socio-political limitations of her time. Through this comprehensive analysis, the research aims to rectify the oversight of Angela de Azevedo's influence and to cement her rightful place in the historical narrative as a forward-thinking artist whose works continue to inspire discussions on gender and national identity.