D. Joanna De Portugal (a Princesa Santa)esboço Biographico
D. Joanna De Portugal (a Princesa Santa)esboço Biographico
A biographical account likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers around D. Joanna, a royal figure whose life is notable for its intertwining of noble duty, tragedy, and piety. The book delves into her experiences from her birth in Lisbon in the 15th century, her upbringing, and eventual defiance of royal expectations as she seeks a life dedicated to God and service to the poor. The opening portion of the narrative outlines D. Joanna’s early life and character, highlighting her birth as a princess and the societal implications that came with it. It describes the joy and expectation surrounding her arrival, the subsequent loss of her mother, and the impact that her royal lineage had on her upbringing. From an early age, D. Joanna is depicted as both intellectually gifted and morally inclined, embodying compassion and charity, dedicating herself to the welfare of those less fortunate. The passage hints at her struggle against the constraints of her royal status, as she ultimately yearns for a spiritual path, which leads to significant developments throughout her life, setting the stage for her later decisions and the perception of her as a ''Santa'' or saintly figure.
About D. Joanna De Portugal (a Princesa Santa)esboço Biographico
Chapter Summaries
- 1
- D. Joanna is born in 1452 in Lisbon to King Afonso V and Queen Isabel. The text discusses whether she was sworn as heir and describes her early education after her mother's death when she was five.
- 2
- Details of D. Joanna's excellent education in Latin and literature, her charitable works, and her participation in court festivities while secretly wearing hair shirts under her royal garments.
- 3
- King Afonso V departs for the conquest of Arzila and Tangier, leaving governance arrangements. D. Joanna celebrates the victories and welcomes her father's return in 1471.
Key Themes
- Religious Devotion vs. Royal Duty
- The central theme explores D. Joanna's struggle between her obligations as a princess and her spiritual calling to religious life, ultimately choosing God over earthly power.
- Charity and Social Justice
- D. Joanna's dedication to helping the poor, visiting prisons and hospitals, and using her wealth for charitable works demonstrates Christian compassion in action.
- Humility and Renunciation
- The princess's rejection of luxury, her adoption of simple clothing, and her performance of menial tasks in the convent exemplify Christian humility and self-denial.
Characters
- D. Joanna de Portugal(protagonist)
- Princess of Portugal (1452-1490), daughter of King Afonso V, known as 'A Princeza Santa' (The Holy Princess). She chose religious life over royal duties, entering the convent of Jesus in Aveiro where she lived in poverty and devotion until her death.
- D. Afonso V(major)
- King of Portugal, father of D. Joanna, known for his African conquests including Arzila and Tangier. An enlightened monarch who provided excellent education for his daughter.
- D. João II(major)
- Prince and later King of Portugal, brother of D. Joanna. He opposed her religious vocation initially but later supported her, granting her lands including Aveiro.
- D. Isabel de Lencastre(major)
- Queen of Portugal, mother of D. Joanna, died when Joanna was only five years old, reportedly poisoned by enemies of the crown.
- D. Beatriz de Menezes(major)
- Noble lady of elevated character who was entrusted by King Afonso V with the moral education of Princess Joanna.
- D. Jorge de Lencastre(major)
- Illegitimate son of D. João II, raised by D. Joanna in the convent from the age of three months. Later became Master of Santiago.
