PRÉ-MODERNISMO (RESUMO)

Summary

The Pre-Modernism period in Brazilian literature (1902-1922) served as a transition from 19th-century literary traditions to the modernist movement. Marked by social critique and an exploration of Brazil’s reality, it focused on issues like rural hardship, racial prejudice, and historical events like the Canudos War. Key authors such as Euclides da Cunha, Lima Barreto, Monteiro Lobato, Graça Aranha, and Augusto dos Anjos addressed themes of nationalism, regionalism, and the psychological impact of social conditions. Their works showcased a simpler, colloquial language and highlighted typical Brazilian characters, contributing significantly to the nation's literary development.

Takeaways

• 😀 The pré-modernismo period in Brazilian literature spans from 1902 to 1922, marking a transition from late 19th-century literary styles to modernism.
• 😀 Euclides da Cunha's *Os Sertões* (1902) is a significant work that analyzes the War of Canudos, focusing on the struggles of the sertanejo (rural Brazilian).
• 😀 The era is characterized by a focus on social issues, including poverty, racial and social inequalities, and regional conflicts within Brazil.
• 😀 Lima Barreto, in works like *Triste Fim de Policarpo Quaresma* (1915), critiques the political system and social injustices of the Old Republic.
• 😀 Monteiro Lobato is best known for his children's literature, such as *Sítio do Picapau Amarelo*, but also addresses rural decay in works like *Urupês* (1918).
• 😀 Graça Aranha's *Canaã* (1902) highlights the cultural and ideological tensions between native Brazilians and German immigrants in the Espírito Santo region.
• 😀 Augustos dos Anjos' poetry, as seen in *Eu* (1912), explores themes of death, decay, and existential dread with a unique, dramatic vocabulary.
• 😀 Pré-modernismo features an emphasis on realism and regionalism, focusing on portraying the diverse reality of Brazilian life and its people.
• 😀 The period also witnessed a rise in nationalism, as Brazilian writers sought to express a strong sense of cultural identity and pride in the country's history.
• 😀 The *República do Café com Leite* (1898-1930) and events like the *Revolta de Canudos* and the *Ciclo do Cangaço* were key historical contexts influencing Brazilian literature during pré-modernismo.

Q & A

What was the Pré-Modernismo period in Brazilian literature?

Pré-Modernismo was a transitional phase in Brazilian literature, bridging the gap between the end of the 19th century and the Modernist movement. It started in 1902 with the publication of *Os Sertões* by Euclides da Cunha and *Canaã* by Graça Aranha, extending until 1922 with the Semana de Arte Moderna.

What were the main historical contexts during the Pré-Modernismo period?

The historical context of the Pré-Modernismo period included the *Ciclo da Borracha* (rubber cycle, 1870-1920), the *República do Café com Leite* (1898-1930), the *Revolta de Canudos* (1896-1897), the *Ciclo do Cangaço* (1900), and various uprisings such as the *Revolta da Vacina* (1904) and the *Revolta da Chibata* (1910), as well as the *Primeira Guerra Mundial* (1914-1918) and the *Guerra do Contestado* (1912-1916).

How did Pré-Modernismo break from past literary traditions?

Pré-Modernismo broke with past traditions by focusing on social issues, realism, and portraying the raw reality of Brazilian life. It rejected idealized depictions and embraced a more direct, colloquial language to describe Brazil's struggles and the complexity of its people.

What were the key characteristics of Pré-Modernismo literature?

Key characteristics of Pré-Modernismo included the investigation and denunciation of social issues, regionalism, a focus on Brazilian reality, the use of simpler and more colloquial language, and a strong sense of nationalism and cultural identity. Writers sought to depict typical Brazilian characters and settings.

Which Brazilian authors are considered representatives of Pré-Modernismo?

The main authors of Pré-Modernismo include Euclides da Cunha, Lima Barreto, Monteiro Lobato, Graça Aranha, and Augusto dos Anjos.

What themes are present in Euclides da Cunha's *Os Sertões*?

*Os Sertões* addresses the social, political, and environmental conditions of the Brazilian Northeast, focusing on the War of Canudos. It examines the conflict between the rural, impoverished sertanejo and the forces of modernization and the state.

What was Lima Barreto's primary focus in his literary works?

Lima Barreto focused on critiquing racial prejudice, social discrimination, and the political flaws of Brazil during the Old Republic. He also portrayed the struggles of the poor and marginalized groups, particularly through his depiction of Rio de Janeiro's suburbs.

What was the significance of the character Jeca Tatu in Monteiro Lobato's work?

Jeca Tatu, featured in Lobato's *Urupês*, symbolized the rural, uneducated, and impoverished Brazilian man. Lobato used Jeca Tatu to criticize the underdevelopment of rural Brazil and to call for social and economic progress.

What is the main theme of Graça Aranha's novel *Canaã*?

*Canaã* explores the clash of cultures and ideas between European immigrants and Brazilian natives in Espírito Santo. It addresses issues of colonization, regional identity, and the conflicts inherent in the process of nation-building.

What was the central focus of Augusto dos Anjos' poetry?

Augusto dos Anjos' poetry dealt with themes of decay, suffering, and existential anguish. His work, particularly in *Eu*, was marked by a stark portrayal of life and death, using aggressive vocabulary to express a sense of cosmic and societal decay.