“Arcadians” and the uses of the past: an analysis of the historical-cultural project of “Arcadia Iguaçuana de Letras” (AIL) (Nova Iguaçu, 1955-1970)

Abstract

This article proposes to discuss underthe light of Antonio Gramsci’s theory, theintellectuals of Arcádia Iguaçuana de Letras(AIL) in the local history. About this institution,located in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu from1955 to 1970, this work intends to analyze theorganic nature of these individuals in producinga municipal memorialistic discourse. Based onconcepts of organic intellectual and hegemony,it analyzes the cultural organization built by thisliterary group. First, this paper contextualizesthe creation of the institution, its members andgoals, from a set of notes and articles publishedin local newspaper Correio da Lavoura. Then, itdiscusses how this group of “iguaçuanosilustres” places themselves in the roles ofeducators, organizers and political leaders at thiscity of Rio de Janeiro State. The paper examinesthe “Arcadians” as they produce a hegemonicconsensus by their cultural and politicalideologicalleadership, so that, under theircommand, the municipal administrativeapparatus was maintained. Finally, it concludedthat the AIL was the result of an effort by theleading group in face of the conservation ofsocioeconomic values and mainly historical andcultural values.