The laughter in the opus O sumiço da elefanta (2008), by Marcelo R. L. Oliveira

Abstract

This work aims to analyze the use of comic effects in the novel O sumiço da Elefanta (2008), by Marcelo R. L. Oliveira. Therefore, it is intended to investigate how the laughter in the opus is related to contemporary children's literature produced in Brazil. As a theoretical reference, were used the contributions of Bergson (2001) on comicity and laughter, as well as the works of Coelho (2000), Lajolo and Zilberman (2007; 2017), Palo and Oliveira (2004), Cademartori (1986), among others, about literature for children and young people. The methodology was bibliographical research and qualitative analysis of comic elements and aspects of contemporary children's literature. As a result, it was found that O sumiço da Elefanta addresses contemporary themes, using in its construction, the presence of the comic, of the ludic and also of various interdisciplinary knowledge. This knowledge is not imposed on the reader, since he is not seen as a mere receiver, his collaboration being necessary for the realization of laughter and of the construction of his learnings from the opus. This demonstrates the appreciation of the literary aspect rather than the emphasis on the utilitarian-pedagogical function of children's and youth literature. In this way, the work achieves a balance between aesthetic quality, delight and learning.