THE DEVIL WEARS PINK: HOMOEROTICISM AND DISORDER IN IVAN PANCHINIAK'S SHORT STORY OS BOFES

Abstract

The short story "Os Bofes" (The Lungs), by Ivan Pancheniak, takes place in hell, ruled by a stereotypical and conservative Satan. The narrative is driven by an omniscient and ironic narrator, who exposes a crisis in the infernal kingdom caused by a dissident group of devils. Led by Luly, a devil with homoerotic traits, the group seeks to modernize hell, proposing aesthetic and ideological changes. The name "bofes," adopted by this group, carries a strong symbolic charge linked to homoerotic identity. As a result of this research, we realize that the attempt at revolution, however, runs up against vanity, stereotypes, and conservatism. The criticism focuses on the superficiality of the debates and the resistance to structural changes. Hell, a symbol of the established order, resists transformation. The story uses humor, irony, and social criticism to discuss identity, sexuality, and power. In the end, the revolution is suspended, and Luly, despite his progressive ideas, is marginalized.