From Miguilim to Miguel, from joy to love

Abstract

Iô Liodoro is presented as “the father of all” at the Buriti Bom farm and is therefore sometimes regarded as the center of the story “Buriti.” However, an analysis of the incipit and excipit reveals Miguel’s central role, as his memories, reflections, and deliberations frame the story. His trajectory, marked by memories of his two journeys to Buriti Bom, corresponds to a process of maturation that leads from the learning of joy, in “Campo geral,” to the learning of love. From this perspective, “Buriti” remains consistent with the collection of stories in Corpo de baile, once again staging a journey—a stationary journey, however, on the threshold of Buriti Bom, framing the journeys of the past or, rather, combining an inward journey (Miguel’s thoughts and reminiscences) with the promise of a journey toward marriage.