MACHADO DE ASSIS | O AUTOR MAIS COBRADO DO ENEM! | QUER QUE DESENHE

Summary

In this educational video, Rebeca Faião introduces the life and works of Machado de Assis, one of Brazil's greatest writers. The video highlights key aspects of his biography, including his challenging upbringing, his work in various literary forms, and his contributions to Brazilian literature. It also explores the controversies surrounding his racial identity and the efforts to preserve his image as a Black author. The script delves into Machado's stylistic traits, such as his use of irony, meta-narrative, and social critiques, while questioning whether he should be classified as a realist. The video provides viewers with a deeper understanding of Machado's influence and legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Machado de Assis was a multifaceted figure, not only a writer but also a poet, playwright, journalist, and a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters.
• 😀 Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1839, Machado faced poverty and racial challenges, growing up in the Morro do Livramento neighborhood.
• 😀 Despite his difficult upbringing, Machado de Assis became one of Brazil's most important literary figures, writing novels, short stories, and poetry.
• 😀 His first published poem, *Ela*, was written at the age of 16, showcasing his early talent in literature.
• 😀 Machado de Assis' racial identity as a Black man was often overlooked or erased in historical accounts, with some even attempting to 'whiten' his image posthumously.
• 😀 The *Machado de Assis Real* movement seeks to highlight his true racial identity and combat the erasure of his Black heritage in literary depictions.
• 😀 *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas* (1881) is one of Machado's most famous works, often seen as a landmark of Brazilian realism, featuring a dead narrator who critiques society from beyond the grave.
• 😀 While *Memórias Póstumas* aligns with many aspects of realism, such as social critique and a focus on reality, it also includes elements like irony and meta-narrative that set it apart from conventional realism.
• 😀 Machado de Assis' use of irony, humor, and an interactive narrator are key stylistic features of his works, allowing him to critique societal issues and engage the reader directly.
• 😀 The debate continues on whether Machado should be considered a realist, as his works often transcend the boundaries of this literary movement, blending realism with more innovative narrative techniques.

Q & A

What is the significance of Machado de Assis in Brazilian literature?

Machado de Assis is considered one of the most renowned authors in Brazilian literature and globally. He was a prolific writer known for his contributions to various literary forms, including novels, short stories, poetry, and plays, and is widely studied for his sophisticated narrative techniques and insights into human nature.

How did Machado de Assis overcome the challenges of his upbringing?

Machado de Assis came from a poor background, born in Rio de Janeiro to a family of limited means. He grew up in the Morro do Livramento and did not have the financial resources for formal education. Despite this, he taught himself through self-study and went on to become an influential writer and intellectual.

What was the impact of Machado de Assis's ethnicity on his legacy?

Machado de Assis, a Black man, faced significant challenges due to racism in Brazil, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After his death, some efforts were made to 'whiten' his image in public discourse, exemplified by Joaquim Nabuco's comments. However, modern movements like 'Machado de Assis real' seek to correct this by emphasizing his true identity and contributions as a Black author.

What are some key stylistic elements in Machado de Assis's writing?

Machado de Assis's writing is marked by the use of irony, metanarrative (where the narrator discusses the story itself), and digression. His narratives often engage directly with the reader, showcasing a highly reflective and critical view of human nature and societal norms.

What is the central theme of 'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas'?

'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas' is a satirical and realistic portrayal of Brazilian society, narrated by Brás Cubas, who recounts his life and thoughts after death. The novel is known for its critical stance on the bourgeoisie and the lack of idealized romanticism, presenting a stark and negative view of life and society.

How does 'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas' differ from romantic literature?

Unlike romantic literature, which idealized love, success, and societal norms, 'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas' critiques these ideals, portraying life as filled with failures, superficiality, and existential reflections. This reflects a realistic and cynical view of society.

Why is 'Dom Casmurro' significant in the study of Machado de Assis's works?

'Dom Casmurro' is another of Machado de Assis's key novels, known for its complex narrative and exploration of themes like jealousy, betrayal, and the reliability of memory. The character Capitu, with her 'eyes of the gypsy,' has become an iconic figure in literature, demonstrating Machado's skill in depicting complex, non-idealized female characters.

What is the importance of the 'Machado de Assis real' movement?

The 'Machado de Assis real' movement was created to challenge the historical erasure and 'whitening' of Machado's image. It seeks to restore his true identity as a Black man and highlight his contributions to literature without the distortions of racial prejudice.

How did Machado de Assis approach the concept of realism in his works?

While Machado de Assis is often associated with realism due to the critical portrayal of society in his works, he also transcends traditional realism with his use of irony, digression, and metanarrative. His works go beyond mere social critique to include deep philosophical reflections and complex storytelling.

What are some key works by Machado de Assis that readers should explore?

Key works by Machado de Assis include 'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas,' 'Dom Casmurro,' 'Quincas Borba,' 'O Alienista,' 'O Espelho,' and 'A Cartomante.' These works showcase his narrative style, thematic range, and literary innovation.