O processo antropofágico no “Auto de São Lourenço” de José de Anchieta

Abstract

Theoretical researchers who supported the use of a romantic approach in literary works analyzed the literature that was addressed in the early years of the formation of Brazil – period that the Jesuits landed on Brazilian territory to educate the Amerindians. A critical look at the literary works developed during that period made this literature less important, since it was treated only as a copy of Portuguese works and little meaningful for Brazilian formation. The Jesuits who came to America had as one of their main attributions the religious education of the indigenous people and so dramaturgy was one of the most used tools. At that time, the works of Gil Vicente known as “Autos” were popular in the Iberian Peninsula. Thus, it is certain that José de Anchieta had contact with this style during his studies in Coimbra. This article thereby aims to rectify this prejudiced perspective concerning the works of José de Anchieta. For this purpose, it was suggested a baroque and anthropophagic reading of “Auto de São Lourenço” – a theatrical production that was developed in 1587 in the place currently known as Niteroi, RJ. Through the analysis of this play, this study demonstrates the process of cultural imposition conducted by the Jesuits and accomplished using linguistic amalgamation. In conclusion, this play mixes many languages and cultures. Thus, a text permeated by cultures as an amalgam is comparable to the baroque and anthropophagic process studied by the modernist Oswald de Andrade. This work is the result of research carried out under the UFRN Scientific Initiation.