THE PORTRAYAL OF CHILDREN AND CHILDHOOD IN ANGOLAN LITERATURE THROUGH JOSE LUANDINO VIEIRA’S “A ESTÓRIA DA GALINHA E DO OVO”

Abstract

Throughout the history of literature, children's characters weren’t presented as active subjects in society, because they were muted and subordinate voices represented by adults -  (Wearden et.al. 2000); Driscoll, 1989) and Gilbert, 2000). However, with the emergence of children’s voices, they began to articulate a world distinct from that portrayed by adults. In light of this, the essay, informed by sociological perspectives on childhood defended by Bodrova & Leong, (2007) and Vygotsky (1962), has two major objectives: (i) to provide a panoramic overview of the developmental and historical phases of children in Angolan literature and (ii) to examines 
the presentation of children as symbol of conflict resolution, courage and hope for a better future. The essay employs a textual analysis of “A Estória da Galinha e do Ovo” one of three stories from the short story collection Luuanda written by Jose Luandino Vieira.  Drawing on Tania Macêdo’s article, “Monandengues, Pioneers, and Catorzinhas: Children of Angola” (2007),, this analysis offers a comprehensive depiction of childhood in Angolan literature during pre-colonial, colonial, and postcolonial periods The essay highlights how child characters exemplify the transformations in Angolan society and literature, presenting a path to understanding childhood in the country.