História e literatura em discussão: África enquanto “Continente Sombrio” pelas “Minas do Rei Salomão” (1885)

Abstract

Africa at the beginning of the 19th century, largely unexplored, aroused the interest of many who saw it through the lens of mysticism, exoticism and the possibility of making fortunes. With the process of colonization and exploration of the territory, this fascination for the “dark continent” was accentuated and several literary works emerged to reinforce this vision and colonialism. This article aims to analyze the work of the 19th century English writer, Henry Rider Haggard, “The Mines of King Salomão”, in order to identify in it the elements that allude to colonial practices at that time. This theme becomes relevant given the historical link between Portuguese colonization in the Americas and Africa and consequently the lack of certain studies in Portuguese related to the theme until recently. We hope to be able to contribute to future studies and draw attention to the potential of the theme that mixes youth literature with historiography about Africa.