Memory and democratic history: Letter to Brazilians in defence of the Democratic State of Law, a semiotic analysis

Abstract

We propose a semiotic analysis of the Carta às Brasileiras e aos Brasileiros em defesa do Estado Democrático de Direito from 2022, a manifesto issued by the legal community in response to the context of threats to democratic institutions, particularly heightened at the conclusion of the Bolsonaro government (2019-2022) in Brazil, in view of the prospect of forthcoming presidential elections. The semiotic approach is centered on the categories of figurativization, specifically space, time, and actors, with the objective of deepening the comprehension of the narrative developments embedded within the letter and examining them as discursive strategies. Additionally, we underscore the significance of historical context, communicative memory, and the concept of a "site of memory" in the formation of the collective actant, formed through adherence to a shared project and common values. The article also explores the intricate strata of meaning inherent in this letter and understands how it plays a fundamental role in upholding and advancing democratic principles within an ever-evolving society.