Uma leitura foucaultiana de O filho de Mil Homens, de Valter Hugo Mãe

Abstract

The following study aims to carry out a critical analysis of the novel O filho de mil homens, by Valter Hugo Mãe, with a view to investigating the theme of sexuality and the discursive power relations around Antonino, the sissy man. For that, we will base ourselves on the studies of Foucault (2000; 2001; 2003; 2004) of discourse analysis for the understanding of power relations and social control procedures, especially those that think about the genealogy of sexuality. Also, to understand specific points about sexuality that are linked to gender and stereotyping, clippings will be made on certain concepts by Miskolci (2012) and Hall (2016). With regard to the work discussions on literary criticism, we will base ourselves on Candido (2011), on the power of literature as a tool of denunciation, and Leite (1985), on the investigation, based on Friedman’s (2002) classifications, on the specifics of the narration of this literature by Mãe. Regarding the methodology, the interpretive analysis will start from the knowledge about the genealogy of sexuality and from Durão’s (2015) considerations about the importance of interpretation in literary analysis and about the links with other fields of study. Thus, it was possible to analyze the Antonino character as a figurativization of sexual deviant subjects in the western sócio-discursive reality, understanding the punitive practices present in the narrative context that prohibit the sissy man. The main evidence in this study is the perception of discourses embedded in the social discourse of that fictitious community as truths instituted by christianity, medicine and jurisprudence.