The urban landscape in the literary work Belém do Grão-Pará as an instrument of memory of historical and cultural heritage

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an investigation into literary representations of the urban landscape in Belém do Grão-Pará., by Dalcídio Jurandir, and its relationship with the cultural heritage of the city of Belém. Published in 1960, the novel presents a portrait of the capital of Pará at the beginning of the 20th century, exploring urban and cultural elements such as the Ver-o-Peso Complex and Praça da República. From the narrative of the young Alfredo, the protagonist, the work constructs a symbolic reading of the city, integrating historical, social and cultural aspects that shape collective identity. The research is based on theoretical references from landscape, memory and heritage studies, based on authors such as Lynch (1988), Goya (1992) and Tuan (1980). These concepts underpin the analysis of the role of literature in the interpretation and preservation of cultural heritage, showing how Dalcídio's narrative transcends time by highlighting the importance of urban landscapes as places of memory and belonging. The results show that Jurandir's work contributes significantly to the appreciation of Belém's cultural assets, highlighting the tension between modernization and tradition in the Amazonian context. Literature, in this sense, emerges as an educational and heritage safeguarding tool, sensitizing readers to the importance of preservation. The conclusion is that the integration of literature and the urban landscape is essential for understanding cultural and historical dynamics, and is a valuable resource for heritage education and the appreciation of collective memory.