Semiotic Analysis of the Poem “Velu” by Josely Vianna Baptista

Abstract

This analysis of the poem “Velu”, by Josely Vianna Baptista, is part of a research regarding the thematic and figurative paths of eroticism in Latin American neobaroque poetry. The central objective is to explore the polisemy of this poetical discourse by means of the generative trajectory proposed by the Paris school semiotics, with special emphasis on thematization and figurativization. In this poem, the revelation theme is represented by the every day event of the blossoming of an epiphyte plant, the orchid. The flower is the main figure that represents /life/, constantly restated in the construction of this narrative program, and is also an essential image for the interpretation here proposed. The plants reproduction organ matures as the poem unfolds before the reader, confirming the presence of eroticism and also the theme of revelation. “Velu” presents a coherent approach to that of the neobaroque poets and their search for the primitive and rustic, brought forth by their use of poetical writing. The choice of poetical language has the objective of extending the readers knowledge of Latin American culture and to tap into eroticism in literature, especially in poetry.