AFECTE I VIOLÈNCIA A ÀNIMA DE GOS , D’ANTÒNIA VICENS

Abstract

This article uses theoretical approaches that straddle affect studies and animal studies to examine Ànima de gos , the short novel by the Mallorcan writer Antònia Vicens. I first highlight the peculiarity of the novel’s narratological treatment, and I then reflect on the possible ethical conflict that may arise from reading Ànima de gos . I place lycanthropy in some literary coordinates that do not hide the responsibility for acts of violence. I go on to focus on the affective deficiencies that constitute the personality of the protagonist. I pay special attention to the concept of “killing sadness” and the affective conflict of loss as possession as a mobilization of violent action. Finally, I try to clarify what is the main function of the animality represented by the protagonist of Ànima de gos . In all of this, and throughout the article, there is the problem of masculine violence. This violence is in no way justifiable.