The Ateneu is a work by writer Raul Pompeia (1863-1895) that was published in serials in 1888.
It is part of the realist movement in Brazil and is one of the most important of the period.
Sérgio is the protagonist of the story. The work narrates his journey (about two years) from the time he was enrolled in the boarding school called Ateneu at the age of 11.
The story, set in 19th-century Brazil, is set in Rio de Janeiro, more precisely in the Rio Comprido neighborhood.
The novel begins with Sérgio's visit to the school. In the words of his father: "You will find the world," my father told me, at the door of the Ateneu. "Courage for the fight."
Characters of the work
Sérgio: protagonist and narrator of the story.
Senhor Aristarco: pedagogue and strict principal of the school.
Dona Ema: wife of the principal.
Rebelo: a very dedicated student at the school.
Sanches: Sérgio's classmate and student at the school.
Franco: Sérgio's mischievous classmate and student at the school.
Barreto: Sérgio's pious classmate and student at the school.
Egbert: Sérgio's true friend.
Américo: A new student at the school and possibly responsible for the fire.
Ângela: A beautiful Spanish school employee.
Bento Alves: The school librarian and Sérgio's friend.
