A A face do medo: uma análise do conto O dragão chinês, de Augusta Faro

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze the concept of fear in “O dragão chinês”, a short story by Augusta Faro, inserted in her book A friagem. Therefore, an overview regarding nineteenth-century fantastic literature theories will be made, more specifically, Todorov’s considerations on this topic. This will be followed by a discussion concerning the definition of fantastic for Ceserani and also a more contemporary delimitation: David Roas’ and Alazraki’s “neofantastic”. Subsequent to the distinction of these terms, the analysis of the supernatural in Faro’s short story is situated, leading to an investigation of the concept of fear in the narrative, which will be aided by Júlio França’s and Zygmunt Bauman points of view about the issue. Finally, it is possible to perceive that Faro’s neofantastic story discusses a delicate but common theme for people: the fear of admitting for everyone that you are, actually, crazy.