A refiguração de Ricardo Reis na ficção de José Saramago

Abstract

The literary analysis hereby presented focuses mainly on discussing Ricardo Reis’ refiguration process and how it helps the character to survive as an literary historical figure. I study both the narrator and the protagonist, throughout its refiguration, to better understand Ricardo Reis’ human portrait. The different perspectives that build the plot of the narrative are remarkably interconnected, the narrator and the characters contribute to the creation and also to the problematization of Reis identity. Therefore, the essay traces who is the Reis of Saramago, how he interacts with others and how he states his position in the world.