Focalization as a configuring element of relational barrenness in Vidas secas

Abstract

The objective of this work is to compare the use of focalization as a configuring element of relational barrenness in two distinct media, the novel Vidas secas, by Graciliano Ramos (1938), and its homonymous adaptation, directed by Nelson Pereira dos Santos (1963). For doing so, Gerard Genette’s (1995; 2008) narratology has been used, and also its commentators, such as Reis and Lopes (1988) and Gaudreault and Jost (2009); besides, it brings as a scaffold literature theorists who dealt with the cited novel, including Candido (1992) and Mourão (1971), and with the film (BRITO, 2006). In order to conduct such study, the elements highlighted to evince the discontinuity in viewpoint were the chapters entitled “Menino mais novo” and “Menino mais velho”, as well as the three moments in which the family appears together, and the respective adapted sequences to the film. Performed the analyses, it has been stated that the relational barrenness is constructed in Vidas secas, novel and film, springing from some elements, such as: structure, focalization discontinuity and, foremost, from the interaction difficulty configured, especially, by the absence of dialogs. Thus, the conclusion here is that the relational barrenness, being a characteristic and common trait in both texts, reinforces the presence of dialogic relations established between the literary and the filmic works.