A representação da identidade cultural sertaneja na canção “Luar do Sertão” de Catullo da Paixão Cearence

Abstract

This literary study focuses on the representation of the sertanejo cultural identity based on an analysis of the song Luar do Sertão (1914), by the Maranhão poet Catullo da Paixão Cearense (1863-1946). This song marked generations by characterizing the way of being and feeling of the sertanejo, who had to leave their homeland in search of better living conditions in Brazil's large urban centers. Catullo (1863-1946) is one of the main poets of regionalist narratives that deal with the specificities of the northeastern Sertão. Regarding the need to study cultural identity, it is important to note that this field of research has gained prominence in the social sciences, especially since the 1990s, due to the historical, economic, cultural and social transformations inherent in that decade (Hall, 1997). In this context, the general objective of the research is to analyze the representation of the sertanejo cultural identity in the song Luar do Sertão (1914), by Catullo da Paixão Cearense (1863-1946). The methodology used was qualitative bibliographical research. Finally, the readings revealed that the importance of Catullo's representation of the sertanejo lies in the construction of a subject who is aware of his roots, who is proud of his culture and, although "rooted" in another land, misses the place he left behind. Through his work, Catullo has established himself as a poet of the people.