ENTRE A VIDA E A MORTE: INTERSEÇÕES NAS ESTRADAS PERDIDAS DE LIMA BARRETO E TELMO VERGARA

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the possible similarities between novels by two Brazilian authors from different, but not so distant times: Lima Barreto (1881- 1922) and Telmo Vergara (1909- 1967). Such a proposal of study is justified by the fact we have verified a reverse way in the careers of the authors: Lima Barreto faced numerous difficulties to consecrate himself as a writer, but after his death he became more valued, or, at least, accepted with less reserve; Telmo Vergara, a well accepted author in his life, with highly valued publications, after his death, sank into oblivion that continues up today, having his name almost erased in Brazilian literary history. Also, his books were not reissued. To make the comparisons, we found theoretical support in authors who study the work of the two authors, as well as in those who study the minor literature (Deleuze and Guattari, 2002); comparative literature (SAID (1995); SANTIAGO (2000); CARVALHAL (1986; 1996) and the novel (BENJAMIN, 1936,. ROBERT, 2007). Connecting the theory and the reading of Barreto and Vergara novels, we tried to establish some similarities between the authors as we also perceived at which point they move away from each other’s work. The comparison between the literature of both authors, especially the novels Vida e Morte de M. J. Gonzaga de Sá (1919) and Estrada Perdida (1939), aims at investigating the reasons for so different ways of recognizing as well as at drawing the possible resemblances between them because they present similarities in their themes, as well as in the choice of their main characters, who are ordinary people without prominent positions in society. Their style of writing, that is different from that which was valued in their time, is something that also brings them close, since both of the authors developed their literature in dissonance of what was placed as a rule.