Bridging the real and the imaginary: modernity, tradition, and the power of the fantastic in Socorro Acioli’s A Cabeça do Santo

Abstract

This article explores the sociocultural and psychological dimensions of Socorro Acioli's A Cabeça do Santo (2014) through the lens of fantastic literature, focusing on the protagonist Samuel’s journey and its broader implications. By analyzing the narrative’s construction of uncanny spaces and its juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, the study investigates how Acioli employs spatial ambiguity and polyphonic voices to reflect social tensions, existential conflicts, and rural marginalization. Through a theoretical-critical approach grounded in concepts of magical realism, polyphony, and spatial theory, the analysis reveals how the novel bridges the real and the imaginary, intertwining cultural identity, individual subjectivity, and societal violence. The findings highlight Acioli’s innovative narrative strategies in representing the interplay between faith, folklore, and technological change, ultimately emphasizing the resilience and invisibility of marginalized communities. This study contributes to discussions on contemporary Brazilian literature, particularly its engagement with regional traditions and universal themes of power, displacement, and transformation.