Poéticas do conto em “Manhã perdida” e A bicicleta que tinha bigodes

Abstract

At first glance, it seems that “Manha perdida”, a short story by Joao de Araujo Correia included in Folhas de xisto (1959), has little in common with A bicicleta que tinha bigodes (2011), a “estoria” by Ondjaki: they are classified differently, their authors belong to different periods and literatures and they have different worldviews. However, both texts share a metanarrative dimension that we shall study, since they both revolve around the topic of how to write a short story. Stimulated by a literary contest, both the Dr. Ivinho of “Manha perdida” and the narrator of the most recent book resort to the help of an experienced writer to win the desired prize (five thousand “escudos” and a bicycle, respectively). We will concentrate first on the image of this reputed writer, listing elements of his portrait, particularly those in which his authority lies. The motivation of both candidates, as well as the fact that the two of them seek the help of a master, suggests that writing a story involves more than a simple natural gift and implies some apprenticeship. It will thus be important to check the effect of the master’s teaching. His agency and the anxieties of his disciples will allow us to identify the features both narratives assign to the short story and the techniques pointed to its creation.