A Phryne Fisher Mystery Series, de Kerry Greenwood e o protagonismo feminino na literatura contemporânea

Abstract

This work aims to demonstrate, within the field of literary analysis and social criticism, the insertion of female protagonism in the work of contemporary literature Miss Phryne Fisher Investigates (also known as Cocaine Blues), the first title in the acclaimed literary series A Phryne Fisher Mystery Series, by Australian author Kerry Greenwood, creator of the iconic character Phryne Fisher, the female detective. To this end, the character's relationship with issues relating to sexuality, marriage, and the challenges of the process of female emancipation is examined, taking as a basis, within the scope of contemporary literature, the philosophical reflections of Simone de Beauvoir, considered a one of the greatest theorists of modern feminism and a singular inspiration for thousands of pro-feminism movements around the world. We also take into account the assumptions of Antonio Candido in his work Literatura e Sociedade (2006), regarding the relationship between literature and its social context of production, aiming to discuss how the literary work, corpus of this research, reinforces the need reflection regarding the role played by women in the society portrayed in the narrative, in comparison to their place in current society, also observing how literature contributes to a change in the way of viewing the female individual and her search for emancipation. Furthermore, some of the factors that led women to their subjugated position in comparison to men are explained, to highlight the difficulties to be overcome by women who fight to gain the freedom to decide for themselves, in a world taken over by misogyny and gender-related oppression.