Os irmãos Karamázov e Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas: em busca de elementos polifônicos

Abstract

This study analyzes the novel Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas (Original Portuguese version of Postuhumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas) by Machado de Assis, looking for the existence of polyphonic elements, within a Bakhtinian perspective. To corroborate this work, we used the novel Os irmãos Karamázov (Portuguese version of The Brothers Karamazov) by Fyodor Dostoevsky, as a mirror. This choice was not by chance; it was based on the fact that this was the novel used by the philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin to construct his concept of polyphony. The decision to analyze the novel of Machado de Assis, Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas was due to the artistic value that it has assumed, not only among Brazilian readers, but also among students of literature. This study therefore carried out a literature review, which enabled the concept of polyphony to be placed within the context of Bakhtinian thought, as well as reflecting on the concept of voices through the dialogs that constitute the works. This study concludes that the novel by Machado de Assis, Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas, does not contain polyphonic elements, but is extremely dialogical. This research is linked to the Research Group Cultura Escola Educação Criadora of the Master s and Doctorate Degrees in Education of the University of Vale do Itajaí