Macunaíma, um malandro alegórico

Abstract

This article seeks to demonstrate that Macunaíma is a malandro (rogue). To accomplish this, a presentation of such a concept is made, comparing it with the definitions of renunciator and caxias (squared), all of which are in accordance with the work of Roberto DaMatta. The essential characteristics of the malandro are identified, and it is verified if Macunaíma possesses them. We come to an affirmative answer, which leads us to the conclusion that the Andrade’s character is a malandro. A brief study of allegory and an analysis of the allegorical character of Macunaíma is done, seeking to understand what Andrade intended in creating a protagonist who is an allegory of a mythological trickster, Makunaima. At the end of the article, we intend to have demonstrated that Macunaíma is not the longed-for national hero, because this redemptive function is for a renunciator, not a malandro.

Keywords

• Macunaíma
• Malandro
• Trickster
• Makunaima
• Alegoria