Language and Memory: the discursive construction of the image of Prestes and Vargas in the biographies written by their daughters

Abstract

The biographical genre, as a narrative genre, is a unique space for the discursive construction of a life trajectory. In this genre, language presents itself as a powerful tool for (re)signifying discourses and narratives, especially when referring to historiographic biographies. In this complex web of (other) meanings produced, the biography of illustrious political agents enhances the production of (new) perspectives on historical events and the political personalities themselves. From this panorama, for this work, the books Luiz Carlos Prestes, um comunista brasileiro and Getúlio Vargas, meu pai — written respectively by their daughters Anita Leocádia Prestes and Alzira Vargas do Amaral Peixoto —, were analyzed, with a focus on reconstructing the biographees’ childhoods. In light of Charaudeau's theories (2009), the conducted comparative analysis  points to a common ground between these biographies, showing that the discursively constructed images of the biographees engage the reading public to view childhood as an important period for the formation of these individuals and for the expression of their identities. In this sense, the results indicate that the representations of Vargas and Prestes suggest an aptitude for their roles in the political scene and the history of Brazil.