From Polarization to Oblivion: A Brief Study on Chronotopes of Incident in Antares by Erico Verissimo

ABSTRACT This essay aims to investigate a few chronotopes that organize the narrative of Incidente em Antares [Incident in Antares], by Erico Verissimo. In particular, it intends to examine how political polarization and oblivion are constitutive elements of the novel and, for that reason, chronotopic. The first being a motif of chronotopic nature and occupies a permanent place in the (fictionalized) life organization of the society. The second leads to the epilogue of the narrative and reveals the modus operandi and modus vivendi of the actors. Modes that, in turn, establish a relationship with the oblivion and deceit chronotopes related today to fake news. The research intends to understand the vision of man and the world carved in the Verissian universe, if they are still present in society 50 years after the publication of the work or if they have undergone transformations.