“EU TAMÉM NAVEGAR”: as redefinições da tradição e identidade ibérica a partir da Galiza em A jangada de pedra

Abstract

This dissertation aims to analyze the novel The stone raft, by José Saramago, in order to deepen the discussion about the national identities of the Iberian Peninsula. Based on the tradition of travel common to the Iberian peoples, especially the Portuguese, Saramago resumes travel by land and sea, present from the Greco-Latin roots of Portugal and Spain, passing by determining authors of the literature of both countries, to quote Camões, Cervantes and Garrett. The trip shows itself to Saramago as an opportunity for reflection and re-understanding not only of who the Iberians are, but what is their place in the world. Saramago then presents an alternative to European identity, proposing a new formulation of reality through a particular Iberism, which is constituted by an option for fantasy. As part of a political project that is generally present in the author's literary production, the novelist proposes a re-understanding of Portuguese identity that is based on the contestation of the European and capitalist hegemonic discourse. This dispute is based on different elements of the narrative, and we intend to highlight the option of giving voice to Galician identity and its historical and cultural relations with Portugal. Maria Guavaira's character and her role within the work promote another look at Portuguese identity, shedding light on aspects traditionally ignored by European hegemonic discourse. In this way, Saramago proposes a new Portuguese tradition and identity, more in line with an Iberian identity