Arquivo

In 1570, a group of girl orphans arrive in Brazil, sent by the Queen of Portugal to marry the first settlers. Amongst these is Oribela, a religious, sensitive young woman. Against her will, she is married to Francisco de Albuquerque, who takes her to his sugar plantation mill. Although somewhat uncouth in manner, Francisco holds Oribela in respect: he wants her to be the mistress of the household and mother to his white children. Francisco?s mother and a young sister live on the plantation in a strange incestuous family nucleus. One day, taking advantage of the visit of Ximeno, a slave trader, Oribela runs away. She tries to find a ship to return to Portugal, but her husband captures her. He is furious and chains her up in a shed. Alone and hurt, the young wife falls into depression and spends her days weeping. The Indian girl who takes her food gradually helps her to recover.