Introduction

Literature is one of the great mirrors of society in all ages, reflecting values, aspirations, crises, and transformations of man in various contexts. In this project, we will embark on the fascinating universe of Naturalist Literature, a movement that emerged in the second half of the 19th century and is based on a meticulous and scientific observation of reality.

Naturalism is a rich field of study because it innovatively combines art and science. In it, writers and poets embrace contemporary scientific theories to create vibrant and insightful stories that explore human nature and society. Instead of perfect heroes or idealized plots, Naturalist Literature prefers to scrutinize existence in its deepest and sometimes inconvenient forms, under the influence of biological, social, and environmental factors.

In Brazil, Naturalism found fertile ground to develop, marking our literature with remarkable works such as "O Cortiço" by Aluísio Azevedo. These Brazilian authors, influenced by European ideas, used their narratives to expose and criticize social aspects of our country, truly dissecting Brazilian society at that time.

Contextualization

Naturalist Literature is more than just pages of an old book. It is a powerful tool for understanding the past and the present, and, who knows, even predicting the future. Through naturalistic lenses, we are able to critically evaluate society and ourselves, recognizing the importance of biological, environmental, and social factors in shaping our identity and behavior.

We live in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, where every action can have unexpected repercussions. Studying Naturalist Literature can help us better understand this complexity, offering a sharp and critical look that transcends the surface of events and seeks their deeper causes.

To gain a deeper understanding of the naturalist movement, I suggest the following sources:

• History of Naturalist Literature
• Naturalism in Portugal and Brazil
• The main authors of Brazilian Naturalism

These pages provide an overview of the movement, including its main ideas, works, and authors. Remember that this is just the starting point for our journey in this project.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Dissecting Naturalist Literature: A Transdisciplinary Investigation"

Project Objective

The purpose of this activity is to allow students to explore Naturalist Literature in a deep and innovative way, combining literary analysis, historical and sociocultural research, and critical discussion, through the study of a Brazilian naturalist novel. In addition, a bridge will be made with the Biology discipline, exploring the scientific aspects present in the literary work.

Detailed Project Description

Each group, composed of 3 to 5 students, will select a Brazilian naturalist novel to be the object of study in this activity. The chosen work will be read, analyzed, and investigated from different angles, focusing on the following topics:

1. Characterization of the naturalist movement and analysis of how the chosen work fits into it.
2. Study of the characters and plot from the perspective of determinism, the central principle of naturalism.
3. Understanding of the historical and sociocultural context in which the work was written and the connection with the work.
4. Study of the scientific aspects present in the novel, with special attention to biological theories and their implications in the narrative, establishing a connection with the Biology discipline.

Required Materials

For the project implementation, groups will need the following materials:

• The chosen naturalist novel for analysis. Preferably in printed version, but digital versions can also be used.
• Internet access for research.
• Notebook or paper for notes.
• Multimedia resources for the presentation, such as a computer and projector.

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Implementation

1. Selection of the work: Each group must choose a Brazilian naturalist novel to be the object of study for the project, based on initial research and discussions.

2. Reading and Notes: All group members should read the novel and make detailed notes about the characters, plot, main themes, historical, sociocultural, and biological aspects that appear in the work.

3. Research and Discussion: Based on the notes and reading, each group will conduct further research on the relevant points for the analysis of the novel. This should include the historical and sociocultural context in which the work was written, the author, the main concepts of naturalism, and the biological theories present in the work.

4. Writing the Report: Each group must write a report containing the following topics: Introduction (contextualization of the theme, relevance, and project objective), Development (theory behind naturalism, detailed explanation of the methodology for analyzing the work and discussion of the results obtained), Conclusion (summary of the main points, lessons learned, and conclusions about the project), and Bibliography (sources used in the project).

5. Preparing the Presentation: In addition to the report, groups will prepare an oral presentation to present to their peers and the teacher, explaining the analysis conducted and the results obtained. The presentation should be creative and engaging, stimulating discussion and critical thinking.

The final project deliverables will be the written report and the presentation. Both should reflect the collaborative and interdisciplinary work of the groups, showing not only the understanding of the chosen work but also the ability to connect different disciplines and develop critical thinking.

Remember that the process is as important as the final result: group discussion, careful reading, connection of ideas, all of these are valuable skills being developed.

The projected duration of the project is approximately two months, considering the reading of the novel, research, preparation of the report, and presentation. This time should be managed by the group, developing time management and teamwork skills.

Good luck with your projects!