Disputa por um nome : o poema Malaca Conquistada (1634), de Francisco de Sá de Meneses, e a representação genealógica

Abstract

The epic poem Malaca conquistada is studied in this article from a perspective which attempts to articulate literary analysis with cultural history, i.e. genealogical representation. This type of interpretation gives value to the symbolic function which, in this framework, Francisco de Sá de Meneses' options can assume when he attributes more or less relevant roles of historie (or historically inspired) figures to his own specific family branch, within a context in which the formation of a "new" Portuguese nobility was being attempted. Belonging to a lateral branch of the Sá family, the poet probably wanted, through his poetic work, to dispute with the Condes de Penaguião the role of representation of the family, at a socio-historic moment when their politicai influence was thought to be apparently weakened.