The ambivalence of origin in Family Lexiconof Natalia Ginzburg

Abstract

This work aims to examine the ambivalence of the pact that the book Family Lexicon(2018 [1963]), by Natalia Ginzburg (1916-1991), establishes with the reader. For this, it starts from the observation of the author, at the beginning of the work, when she clarifies that, in the book, everything is real and nothing is made-up, but suggests that it be read as if it were a novel. Considering the autobiographical character of the work, it seeks to investigate the position of the narrator who, despite speaking about herself, remains distant from the place of protagonism. It also intends to discuss the creation of the writing work, which can approach reality, fiction or even intertwine them. Thus, the present work explores key elements, such as memory, language, narrative, creation, imagination. In order to substantiate and give consistency to the investigation, the work of authors from Literary Theory, such as Henry James, Roland Barthes, Walter Benjamin and Catherine Gallagher, are used