Building memory in schools through literature

Abstract

National history has been marked by a social and political conflict that has left a profound mark on the country’s collective memory. Therefore, there is a need to propose a memory exercise that allows for a better understanding of the “traumatic past” in order to face the challenges of a present where the conflict is still prevalent. This exercise must be carried out primarily in schools, as this is the primary space for “education.” In this context, the use of literary works, especially novels, is presented as an option to encourage a critical reading of history, since the novel has shed light on facts that complement or contrast the way they are recorded by historiography, often burdened by ideological biases. It also aims to raise awareness about the nature of violence and, above all, to empathize with the victims.