“Retábulo de Santa Joana Carolina”: The dimension of humanity

Abstract

The article aims to analyze, based on parameters from thematic criticism and Freudian psychoanalysis, as well as on knowledge from history and astrology, the way in which the
theme of Christian love determines the life course of the protagonist of “Retábulo de Santa Joana Carolina”, the central narrative in Nove, novena, written by Osman Lins in 1966.
Although connected to profane dimensions, the protagonist is generally seen as a “saint” by specialized criticism. However, since her life course is connected to the movement of zodiac
constellations, the profane dimension will be highlighted in analyses which link liturgical, astrological, and historical times. Within this temporal game, the present article will bring to
light the protagonist’s human dimension. Far from the holy profile, Joana Carolina´s caritas love will be seen as a result of her psychic mechanism of sublimation, developed throughout
her entire life.