O sertão como espaço de encantamento e fantasia na obra "Sertão encantado" de José Paraguassú

Abstract

The present research analyzes how the Brazilian backlands (sertão) are depicted in literature, focusing on the study of the book Sertão Encantado (2023) by José Paraguassú. This work highlights how the narrative in this book breaks with the traditional view of the sertão as a predominantly arid and harsh place marked by human suffering, instead presenting it through a perspective of enchantment and fantasy. The research is justified by the fact that the sertão is a recurring theme in Brazilian literature and is often associated with negative stereotypes. However, Paraguassú offers a different approach, blending elements of the sertanejo reality with enchanting aspects, revealing a symbolic and poetic universe. The book, published in the author's hometown of Floriano, Piauí, reflects his love for Northeastern culture, showcasing its traditions, natural riches, and customs. By investigating Sertão Encantado, the research aims to understand how literature can reframe geographic and social spaces, transforming the sertão into a place of fantasy and cultural resistance. The study addresses central questions such as: how does the work deconstruct stereotypes about the sertão? And what impacts might it have on the appreciation of sertanejo culture? Using a descriptive and exploratory approach, this study employs secondary sources and qualitative analysis to examine representations of the sertão in Brazilian literature and the use of fantasy as a literary device. The specific objectives include: conceptualizing the sertão in literature, analyzing its representation in Sertão Encantado, discussing the role of geographic descriptions in the construction of stereotypes, and exploring the impacts of sertanista works on local culture. As an academic contribution, this research hopes to broaden understanding of the relationship between literature and narrative space, as well as to value sertanejo identities, promoting a broader and more inclusive perspective on this region.