A Portuguese Don Juan. The Deconstruction of Myths in the Novel by Almeida Faria <i>O Conquistador</i> (<i>The Conqueror</i>)

The novels by Almeida Faria are not best sellers, although the author is very much appreciated in academic circles throughout Portuguese-speaking countries, like Brazil. His writing iconoclastic and shows both break with literary tradition, as well a critical view of Portuguese society history. This article analyses his last novel O conquistador (The Conqueror/The Seducer), where he merges two great myths, that Don Juan, called myth deconstruction Hidden One (O Encoberto), important English contexts. relates to King Sebastião (1554-1578) known for military fervour. Reversing interest conquests, modern hero this more interested sexual ones. Assuming narrative modus Bildungsroman, search individual’s identity knowledge through erotic experience important, constructed an anti-epic becomes profound meditation on collective way living. frequently scandalous effect Juan related national satirical depiction society. paper how critically deconstructs cultural heritage Sebastianism providing only towards but also subversion canons myth.