O Imaginário literário em torno de Tumbu, de Marconi Leal

The literary imaginary: around Tumbu, by Marconi Leal

Abstract

This article aims to study Marconi Leal's work, Tumbu, through the concept of literary imaginary. The work depicts the tragedy of Tumbu in the historical context of modern slavery. In addition to the real social environment, the work presents us with the perspective of a child character who leaves Africa for colonial Brazil; along the way, he undergoes the process of acculturation. Tumbu later becomes aware of the oppressive social environment, as well as the tragic trajectory of his people. The work attempts a reversal in the worldview in the face of the dominant colonial imaginary; therefore, literature, through the power of fiction, erects a new literary imaginary that can act as a counterpoint to the dominant imaginary of everyday practice.