Language, History, fiction and other labyrinths in Valêncio Xavier’s O Mez da grippe

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present a discussion on the novelette O Mez da grippe written by Valêncio Xavier in relation to the five dimensions of the reading process described by Vincent Jouve in his book named A Leitura. As we proceed, we intend to analyze the way Xavier organizes his multiple textual and visual elements in order not only to keep his audiences attention and interest but also to provoke different responses of the reader on his attitude towards the text and the reality. We mean to show that the dialogue established among individual, text and context emphasizes the readers role at building the literary work itself and defies our certainties in relation to our own concepts of history, fact and fiction.