B 01 - Pré-Modernismo - Literatura - Vestibulando Digital

Summary

The video discusses the Pre-Modernism literary movement in Brazil, which began around 1902 with works like 'Os Sertões' by Euclides da Cunha and 'Canaã' by Graça Aranha. This transitional period marks a break from previous aesthetics, embracing themes like regionalism and social reality, focusing on marginalized figures and the realities of Brazilian life. Key authors such as Euclides da Cunha, Lima Barreto, Monteiro Lobato, and Augusto dos Anjos are highlighted for their portrayals of the country's struggles, from poverty to political critique, setting the stage for the Modernist movement of 1922.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pre-Modernism in Brazil was a literary movement that emerged before the Semana de Arte Moderna (1922) and began around 1902 with the publication of *Os Sertões* and *Canaã*.
• 😀 The movement marks a transition from older, more conservative literary styles (like Parnassianism) to works that focus on the reality of Brazilian society, especially its marginalized groups.
• 😀 Key characteristics of Pre-Modernism include a break from past academic traditions, a focus on social and political realities, and the representation of regional areas of Brazil.
• 😀 Regionalism is central to Pre-Modernism, with works depicting regions such as the Northeastern sertão, rural São Paulo, and the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro.
• 😀 The movement portrays marginalized figures like the Northeastern sertanejo, the rural Caipira, mulattos, and immigrants, often highlighting their struggles and injustices.
• 😀 Euclides da Cunha is a pivotal figure, known for *Os Sertões*, where he critiques the romanticized view of Brazil and emphasizes the real socio-political causes behind the War of Canudos.
• 😀 Lima Barreto’s work, such as *Triste Fim de Policarpo Quaresma*, addresses the social inequalities in early 20th-century Rio de Janeiro and critiques political life.
• 😀 Monteiro Lobato, often remembered for his children’s literature, also critiqued regional underdevelopment and societal backwardness, using his strong personality and opinions to influence Brazilian culture.
• 😀 Lima Barreto faced significant personal struggles, including racism, alcoholism, and depression, which deeply influenced his literary works that represent the voice of the marginalized.
• 😀 Monteiro Lobato controversially critiqued Modernist movements, particularly in his essay *Paranoia ou Mistificação*, where he attacks artistic movements like Cubism and Futurism, calling them outdated and illogical.

Q & A

What is Pre-Modernism, and when did it begin?

Pre-Modernism is a literary movement in Brazil that represents a transition period before the Modernist Week of 1922. It began in 1902 with the publication of books like 'Os Sertões' by Euclides da Cunha and 'Canaã' by Graça Aranha.

What characterizes the Pre-Modernist period in Brazilian literature?

The Pre-Modernist period is characterized by a break from the past, with new literary works challenging academic traditions. It also emphasizes the reality of Brazilian life, focusing on marginalized groups and regional realities.

Why is Pre-Modernism described as a period of transition?

It is considered a period of transition because, while it still contains conservative elements, it also shows the first signs of a more engaged, socially aware literature that began to reflect the true conditions of Brazilian society.

Which regions and social groups are prominently featured in Pre-Modernist literature?

Pre-Modernist literature often portrays the northeastern Brazilian sertão, the rural interior of São Paulo, and the suburban areas of Rio de Janeiro. It also highlights marginalized groups like the poor, rural workers, Afro-Brazilians, and immigrants.

Who were some of the most prominent authors of Pre-Modernism?

Key authors of Pre-Modernism include Euclides da Cunha, Lima Barreto, Monteiro Lobato, Graça Aranha, and Augusto dos Anjos. These authors focused on depicting the social and economic issues of their time.

How did Euclides da Cunha's work 'Os Sertões' challenge romanticized views of Brazil?

In 'Os Sertões,' Euclides da Cunha rejected the romanticized, idyllic vision of Brazil, particularly the notion that everything in the country was perfect. He argued that the root causes of the Canudos Rebellion were poverty, underdevelopment, and mistreatment, not just religious fanaticism or banditry.

What is the significance of Lima Barreto’s literature in terms of social criticism?

Lima Barreto’s literature, especially works like 'Triste Fim de Policarpo Quaresma,' critiques social inequality and exposes the flaws in the political and cultural landscape of Brazil, particularly during a time of significant transformation in the early 20th century.

What role did Monteiro Lobato play in Brazilian literature and the Modernist movement?

Monteiro Lobato was a highly influential figure, known for his criticism of both social and artistic issues. Although famous for his children's literature, his works also addressed the backwardness of rural Brazil and played a crucial role in pushing forward the ideas of the Modernist movement.

How did Monteiro Lobato view the work of the Modernist painter Anita Malfatti?

Monteiro Lobato was highly critical of Anita Malfatti’s work, particularly her modernist approach. He described her style as part of a decaying artistic movement and argued that it was not true art, but rather a manifestation of tired, outdated trends.

What were some of the main themes explored by Graça Aranha and Augusto dos Anjos?

Graça Aranha focused on themes of immigration, particularly the German immigration to Espírito Santo, while Augusto dos Anjos is known for his works filled with dark, macabre imagery, dealing with themes like death, decay, and the harsh realities of life.