Pensar a contrapelo: embates de Paulo Honório em São Bernardo

Abstract

This work comprises a reading of the novel São Bernardo (1934/2012), by Graciliano Ramos, in which we observe an objective and succinct fictional construction (with emphasis on the figure of Paulo Honório), but with the possibility of complex interpretations, especially in what concerns refers to the place of the highlighted character in relation to narrative situations. From these, we analyze how Paulo Honório started to reflect on himself, although he shows himself, throughout the narrative, as someone connected to practical everyday matters, distanced from initiatives that could favor subjective deepening. In order to do so, we relate the poem “Graciliano Ramos:”, by João Cabral de Melo Neto (In: Serial, 1961/2008), to aspects of the novel under study, as well as we discuss places and roles of characters, regarding Antonio Candido ( In: A personagem de ficção, 1968/2014). We hope, with a relationship between the cited texts, to promote discussions from which the literary language, located fictionally and historically, arouses varied reflections, in its significant scope.