Give to see: the poetic sight in the work of João Cabral de Melo Neto

Abstract

This paper proposes a reflection on the issue of sight, having as theoretical support the concept of "to give to see", conceived by João Cabral de Melo Neto in his work. With a critical reading that will specifically examine the development of Melo Neto's poetry from Pedra do sono (1942) to A educação pela pedra (1966) — the first book and the one that represents the high point of the author's poetics, respectively —, we will investigate some images and proprieties resultant of the visual perception. Melo Neto's writing seems to expose the target of his look despite seeking an objective perspective.