Diálogo sobre a morte, o luto e a melancolia em “Campo geral” e “A terceira margem do rio”

Abstract

This research aims at investigating aspects of death, mourning, and melancholia in the works “Campo Geral,” published in Corpo de Baile (1956), and “The Third Bank of the River” (A terceira margem do rio), published in Primeiras Estórias (1962). The study explores the similarities and differences in the experiences of loss within these works, identifying mourning in one and melancholia in the other. A bibliographic research methodology was employed to support the discussion. The primary sources include the works of João Guimarães Rosa and scientific articles related to the proposed theme, as well as Sigmund Freud’s work, “Mourning and Melancholia.” Among the results, it was identified that mourning and melancholia relate to the context of losing an attachment object and the inherent subjectivities of each individual. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the Father's departure without a specific reason caused the son (the narrator) to introject the figure of the Father into his own ego. Conversely, in the experience of loss lived by Miguilim in “Campo Geral,” the character was conscious of what was lost with the passing of his loved ones, which allowed the work of mourning to be completed.