CEREMONIES OF THE BACKLANDS, BY RICARDO GUILHERME DICKE: identity and memory in Frutuoso Celidônio e João Ferragem
Keywords: Ricardo Guilherme Dicke, Ceremonies of the Backlands; Frutuoso and Ferragem; memory and identity; backlands.
The representation of the Mato Grosso backlands in Ricardo Guilherme Dicke's narratives demonstrates the author's interest in highlighting the space of Mato Grosso, portraying the figure of the backlander, their way of life, and their cultural heritage. In this sense, this dissertation aims to analyze the novel "Ceremonies of the Backlands" (2011), focusing on the characters Frutuoso Celidônio and João Ferragem. It explores their relationship with the Mato Grosso backlands and the process of (re)constructing their identities, supported by the study of their memories.
This work reveals the portrayal of the Mato Grosso backlands and its representation in Dicke's literature, intertwining the two characters to elucidate their similarities and/or differences. Drawing on bibliographic research, Ricoeur (2007) informs our reflections on memory. Regarding identity, we are guided by Joël Candau (2023), Bauman (2005), and Hall (2006). Building on Lylia Galetti's research (2012), we discuss the configuration of the backlands in Mato Grosso. Emphasizing the narrative's relevance, the space significantly influences the characters' behavior, shaping their identities and way of being.