The issue of national identity in the historical novel As Minas de Prata, by José de Alencar

Abstract

This article aims at highlighting characters and specific aspects of the plot of As Minas de Prata (1865), by José de Alencar, which address the issue of national identity in 19th century Brazil. The writing time and the narration time are not the same, as Alencar seeks inspiration in 17th century Bahia to set his novel. The background of the plot corresponds to the period in which the Brazilian colony was under Spanish rule, more specifically during the Dutch invasion. The plot revolves around Inácio, an idealized romantic hero full of virtues, who takes on the role of defending the Brazilian homeland against the Dutch invasion, always placing it above his personal interests. These, in this case, consist of the conquest of his beloved, Inesita, and the tireless search for the famous silver mines. The basis he had for this mission was the path left by his father, Robério Dias, who years before had not been successful in this endeavor. Amid the protagonist's Homeric adventures, the Alencarian characterization of other peripheral characters allows us to glimpse, albeit in a stereotypical and even prejudiced way, a possible Brazilian profile. Making use of the historical past and manipulating it in an idealized way, the book reflects the effort of the romantic project to forge an identity for the newly formed country after independence. At the same time, it exposes the political purpose that underlies the work, which aimed to guarantee national unity and governability.

Keywords: José de Alencar. As Minas de Prata. Historical novel. National identity. Romanticism.