O José de Saramago: o fardo da culpa e sua redenção

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis aims to analyze the character José, from the novel The Gospel According to Jesus Christ by José Saramago, through the Freudian concept of guilt. The study seeks to understand the feeling of guilt as described by psychoanalysis and to examine how this concept is reflected in the character's construction. The theoretical foundation includes works by Laplanche (2022), Hamud e Gellis (2011), and Rinaldi (2001), which explore the nature and characteristics of guilt, such as the need for punishment. For the analysis of José, the study draws primarily on Candido (1985), along with contributions from Achre and Thimóteo (2015) and Moisés (2008), offering critical insights into the interpretation of the novel. The methodology involves textual analysis of José’s characterization based on Candido’s (1985) framework to identify the character’s structural and psychological nuances. Subsequently, the concept of guilt, as defined by the theoretical framework, is used to examine its manifestations in the character. The findings reveal that guilt is a central aspect of José’s psychological construction, influencing his decisions, reflections, and interactions throughout the novel. José is depicted as a figure deeply marked by internal conflict and a need for punishment, resonating with Freudian theories. The study concludes that guilt in The Gospel According to Jesus Christ serves as a vital narrative driver, enriching the character’s development and reinforcing the humanized dimension of Saramago’s work.