FROM “PAPA-PECÚLIOS” TO “TIGER OF ABOLITION”: THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LEGEND OF JOSÉ DO PATROCÍNIO IN THE LAST DECADES OF THE 19TH CENTURY

Abstract

This article discusses some episodes of the social trajectory of journalist José Carlos do Patrocínio (1853-1905), recognized as one of the bastions of the abolitionist campaign in the late 19th century Imperial Court. The issues here are investigated through a dual approach: on one hand, I try to understand the construction of a historical memory about Patrocínio in which the complexity of his historical experience is lost; on the other hand, I seek to point out that part of Patrocínio’s own personal experience was composed by daily efforts to elaborate a certain memory of himself – such intentions would provide, in turn, some benefits to his future biographers. Thus, the praises and the laudatory purport which characterize biographical texts of him have much in common with the way José do Patrocínio tried to depict himself within specific political conflicts – and whose original meaning was lost in later narratives.