Abstract

SUMMARY:

Since the 1968 edition of his works in seven volumes by James Amado, the 17th century Luso-Brazilian Baroque poet Gregório de Matos has been present both as an issue in the debates about national literature, and more generally as an inspiration for contemporary cultural production. On the one hand he triggered polemics between Haroldo de Campos and João Adolfo Hansen about the “formação da literatura brasileira” and nourished an ongoing debate about national culture in newspapers (mainly in the Folha de São Paolo). On the other, his work and biography became privileged materials for songs (“Triste Bahia” by Caetano Veloso), films (Gregório de Mattos by Ana Carolina), fictions (“O boca do inferno” by Ana Miranda) and theater performances (“Among Cannibals” a Brazilian and German co-production). This essay documents and analyses this national fascination for a Baroque figure and offers elements for an explanation of its strong comeback in contemporary culture as a new “cultural hero” in Brazil.

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