“Eu, o Supremo”: entre a perpetuidade e a interpretação, ou a diferença entre ditadura e gramatocracia

Abstract

This article addresses one of the many traceable discussions within the polyphonic novel Yo El Supremo, by Augusto Roa Bastos: the intention of the Paraguayan dictator, José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia, to perpetuate himself in power through written language. Does the Perpetual Dictator achieve his goals? Can letters support a dictatorship? In what sense is interpretation a condition of freedom? Why would the Venezuelan Andrés Bello be the perfect antithesis of Doctor Francia?