No enquanto, viver é muito perigoso: um diálogo entre Mia Couto e Guimarães Rosa

Abstract

This qualitative literature review proposes a comparative analysis between Guimarães Rosa's novel "Grande Sertão: Veredas" (1956) and Mia Couto's short story "Joãotónio, no enquanto" (1994). Our objective is to explore the intersections and distinctions between these works through four analytical axes: (1)Literary Genres: First, we examine the distinctive characteristics of the novel and the short story, identifying points of convergence and divergence that connect and separate them as literary genres. (2) Narratives and Narrators: Second, the research focuses on the analysis of the narrators in both works, seeking to understand whether, despite belonging to the same narrative type, their stylistic particularities result in distinct representations. (3) Onomastics: The third point concentrates on the literary creation of character names. We investigate the criteria adopted by Guimarães Rosa and Mia Couto for selecting these names, uncovering hidden meanings or symbolisms that enrich the plot. This analysis is mediated by the readings of theorists such as Bakhtin (1998), Gotlib (2006), Benjamin (1994), and Hutcheon (1991). (4) Sexuality and Feminist Studies: Finally, the research delves into the sexuality of the characters, seeking to identify characteristics related to feminist studies on gender, biological sex, nature, desire, and performance. To this end, we engage with twentieth-century intertextual theories, exploring the viewpoints of authors such as Simone de Beauvoir (2009), Judith Butler (2018), and Michel Foucault (1998, 1999, 2005), and investigating how their perspectives can be applied to understanding the representation of sexuality in these works. Results: The research demonstrates the feasibility of comparing a substantial novel with a short story, revealing that the narrators, although of the same type, possess their own distinct narrative styles. The names created by the authors are intrinsically linked to the plot, presenting a symbolism that significantly enriches the narrative. Furthermore, the results indicate that the characters' sexuality can be understood in accordance with Judith Butler's perspectives.