MAYOMBE, THE TEXT AS A SPACE FOR REFLECTION AND IDEALIZATION OF THE ANGOLAN NATION

Abstract

This article aims to address how in Mayombe, by Pepetela, the text promotes a fruitful space for reflection and also for idealization about the Angolan nation. The work reveals the intricate ties that can be established between fictional narrative and the domains of the world in which we live, that is, between History and Literature. To do so, references are made to, among others, Edward Said, Ana Mafalda Leite, and Inocência Mata. In this way, we intend to think, reflect, and question the relationships that involve the social practices of certain societies with the literature produced within each society, particularly in Angolan society and in Pepetela’s text, Mayombe. Additionally, we consider the possible influences that result from these relationships, acknowledging a “extratextual function” to fictional narrative (Mata, n.d.).