História do Predestinado Peregrino e seu irmão Precito, de Alexandre de Gusmão: a parábola fingida, e verdadeira, do peregrino e do réprobo

Abstract

Alexandre de Gusmao (1629-1724) was an important member of the Society of Jesus. At times, his name appears in Brazilian Literature historiography as responsible for the composition of História do Predestinado Peregrino e seu irmão Precito (1682) [The Story of the Predestined Pilgrim and his brother Reprobate], “the first novel written in Brazil” (MOISÉS, 1990, p. 222). In effect, most of the studies about Gusmao focus on the parallel, but opposite, paths followed by Predestined and Reprobate. However, some aspects still remain without answers. Thus, this research aims at highlighting some critical crossroads and indicating possible ways for future analyses, especially related to História’s genre and its “protagonists”, that is, Predestined and Reprobate. We intend to regard not only the rhetorical-poetical parameters of the 1600s, when the acute and pictorial metaphor is considered the basis of invention, but also the theological-political context of the Catholic Reformation, associated with notions like “the Mystical Body” and “common good”. In order to privilege Gusmao’s classification – since he considers História do Predestinado Peregrino e seu irmão Precito as a history or a parable –, we believe that his work uses allegory as a rhetorical ornament, and the parabolic, moral and anagogical senses from biblical exegesis tradition. We also believe that Predestined and Reprobate are general types of virtuous and vicious men, and exemplary models which could promote a reflection about eternal salvation and condemnation on the target audience. Finally, the two paths seem to be in conformity to the three basic principles of Rhetoric – teaching, delighting and moving affections – towards an audience that was supposedly learning to read and to obey the dogmas of the Church.