Todos os caminhos levam a Niterói : tempo e memória em Marcello Quintanilha

Abstract

This work investigates the graphic elements used to represent time and memory in the composition of Luzes de Niterói, a graphic novel written by Marcello Quintanilha. Therefore, we grounded our discussions on Scott McCloud, in Understanding Comics, and Will Eisner, in Comics and Sequential Art, as their reflections provide a perspective on the specificities of the constitution of a comic. Besides that, we aimed to comprehend the role of memory in the narrative and, to achieve this goal, we grounded our analysis on the works of Walter Benjamin and Henri Bergson on time, memory and narrative. Constructing a graphic novel narrative involves not only representing past events but adapting them to the language of comics and representing the process of reminiscence and its rhythm. In Luzes de Niterói, Quintanilha uses the characteristic elements of a comic and its fragmentary aspect to portray an action that is segmented by nature: reminiscing. The graphic novel demonstrates the possibilities of the gutter and the panel to represent time and memory. From the space between the panels, it is possible to contextualize the reminiscences presented and understand them as actual memories through the connection between the memories and the present event. The comic also uses different types of transition to indicate the passage of time. Furthermore, we understand that remembering brings meaning to our existence. Memory makes human narratives meaningful and enables us to pass on our experiences through orality and writing, which fosters our traditions.