ABSTRACT
This study analyses the experiences, both violent and non-violent, of two former clandestine militants who were part of distinct politically violent organisations in the past in Portugal. It explores the narrative resources at the origin of personal political awareness and their influence on political activism, taking into (particular) account the impact of the early family narrative environment and of the moment in history in which individuals were living. It also demonstrates the ways in which past experiences are reconstructed by self-constructions and representations in the present. Activism at the edge of age is, thus, shaped by the meanings of past memories, which are used dialogically to preserve a valued identity.
