Mito e transfiguração em Órfãos do Eldorado, de Milton Hatoum

Abstract

Drawing on João Loureiro’s characterization of the sfumato nature of Amazonian people, in which real and imaginary elements form a single experience, this paper analyzes the interconnection between myth and reality in Órfãos do Eldorado (2008), Milton Hatoum’s fourth novel. Understanding Amazonian culture to be imbued with impulses leading to both reason and enchantment, I argue that a transfiguration of the Eldorado myth occurs via its literary redefinition. This phenomenon emerges through dialogue with Constantine P. Cavafy’s poem, "Η Πόλις" 'The City.' Departing from the common portrayal of the Eldorado myth as a search for riches, Hatoum refashions it to represent a search for love.