Comparative studies in literature and the formation of the reader

ABSTRACT What we intend to discuss in this article is the possibility of Comparative Studies in Literature contributing to the formation of readers in childhood. We seek to demonstrate that the path of comparison, offered by Comparative Literature, inserts the reader into a process that sharpens the ability to observe, fosters the ability to analyze and argue. To clarify the debate we intend to have, the object of analysis is Ziraldo's work O Menuquinho Maluquinho, aimed at children, in three of its artistic forms: literature, the TV series and the film. The analysis developed demonstrates the most evident and subtle aspects of character construction, analysis of the conception of childhood and time brought about by the artistic pieces studied. The basis of the study is based on the conceptions of Tânia Carvalhal, who understands Comparative Literature as an interdisciplinary strategy and points out how this conception brings traits of mobility to literary studies, and highlights the mediating nature and comparative action, which is why it is considered that Reading comparatively is a virtuous path to reader education. KEYWORDS: Comparative literature; Inter arts; Formation of the reader; Ziraldo; O menino maluquinho.