The construction of the referential network in the text and its connection with the production context

Abstract

From a functionalist point of view, this article discusses aspects of the construction of the referential network of text in narrative sequences from a sample of Brazilian novels in three subsequent periods. The aim is to verify the relationship between the way the referential slots are fulfilled (especially as the central characters of the plot) and the various processes involved in the creation mode and maintenance of the textual reference network in different situations. It builds up as the basic concept that the (pro-)nominal elements (nominal phrase, or pronoun) perform in different ways the two essential functions in the referential process (the identification and the description of the referents), and that the set of positions in the introduction and maintenance of these elements mean a different choice in the configuration of the piece. Confirming the most basic functionalist principles, the analysis performed destroys the notion that there is a ready formula in the grammar of the language to the referential organization of the text, and ensures the notion that the differences which were found work to the co-enunciative plan of the speaker inserted in the context of production and in the cultural context.