In this article, our goal is to explain the role of two novels in a Literature formation project. As a consequence, a national identity has been formed by two of the most important names of the 19th century. We will present here our understanding of two brazilian novels, namely, Til (1871) and Inocência (1872), by José de Alencar and Alfredo Taunay, respectively. We will highlight the strengths of these projects, considering their different objectives and strategies used to make them succeed.
National identity; Nineteenth century; Brazilian novel; Formation of the Nation; Historical novel