Pré-Modernismo [Prof. Noslen]

Summary

In this educational video, the topic of Pre-Modernism in Brazilian literature is explored, focusing on the transition from Symbolism to Modernism. The host explains how Pre-Modernism is not a distinct literary school but a transformative period preparing the way for Modernism. Key themes include a break from traditional academicism, a focus on regionalism and social realities, and critical engagement with political and historical issues. The video highlights prominent authors like Euclides da Cunha, Graça Aranha, Monteiro Lobato, and Lima Barreto, whose works challenged societal norms and reflected the changes occurring in early 20th-century Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pre-modernism marks the transition between symbolism and modernism in Brazilian literature, serving as a preparatory period rather than an independent literary school.
• 😀 The end of symbolism and the start of modernism are signified by the Semana de Arte Moderna (Week of Modern Art) in 1922, which is the key milestone in Brazilian literary history.
• 😀 Pre-modernism involves a period of intense literary transformation with different artistic and literary forms, blending elements from various movements.
• 😀 Writers from the pre-modernist period criticized societal norms and addressed contemporary political, historical, and social issues, offering a more critical perspective on Brazilian society.
• 😀 A key feature of pre-modernism was the break from formal language, adopting a more colloquial, everyday style in contrast to the formal, academic tone of previous movements.
• 😀 Pre-modernist works often focused on depicting the harsh realities of Brazilian society, including its political and social upheavals, such as the Revolta da Vacina and the Revolta de Canudos.
• 😀 Authors associated with pre-modernism used regionalism and nationalism to explore Brazilian identity, highlighting marginalized characters from rural and urban settings.
• 😀 Notable pre-modernist authors include Euclides da Cunha, Graça Aranha, Monteiro Lobato, and Lima Barreto, each contributing to the period's unique literary style.
• 😀 Euclides da Cunha’s work, *Os Sertões*, is a prime example of regionalism, depicting the life of the sertanejo (Brazilian backcountry dwellers) and the Guerra de Canudos.
• 😀 Monteiro Lobato, best known for his children's literature, also addressed important social issues in works like *Urupês* and *Cidades Mortas*, which reflect regional and national concerns.

Q & A

What is Pré-Modernismo in Brazilian literature?

Pré-Modernismo is a literary period that marks the transition between Symbolism and Modernism in Brazilian literature. It is seen as a preparation phase for Modernism, rather than a distinct literary school.

Why is Pré-Modernismo considered a transition period?

Pré-Modernismo is considered a transition because it bridges the end of Symbolism and the arrival of Modernism. It reflects a shift in literary approaches and themes, preparing the way for the more radical changes in Modernist works.

How does Pré-Modernismo differ from Symbolism?

Pré-Modernismo moves away from the formal and symbolic language of Symbolism. It introduces a more colloquial, straightforward style that critiques society, addressing themes of politics, economics, and history.

What are some key characteristics of Pré-Modernismo literature?

Key characteristics of Pré-Modernismo include the critique of academicism, the use of a more colloquial language, the exploration of social realities in Brazil, regionalism, nationalism, and the portrayal of marginalized characters.

Which major social revolts influenced Pré-Modernismo literature?

Social revolts such as the Revolta da Vacina, Revolta da Chibata, and Revolta de Canudos greatly influenced Pré-Modernismo literature, as they highlighted the social unrest and struggles in Brazil during that time.

What role did the Semana de Arte Moderna (1922) play in the transition to Modernism?

The Semana de Arte Moderna, or the Modern Art Week of 1922, is considered the official start of Modernism in Brazil. It marks the culmination of the Pré-Modernismo period and the beginning of a new, more experimental literary and artistic phase.

Who are some prominent authors associated with Pré-Modernismo?

Prominent authors of the Pré-Modernismo period include Euclides da Cunha, Graça Aranha, Monteiro Lobato, and Lima Barreto. These writers addressed themes like regionalism, social critique, and Brazilian identity.

What is the significance of Euclides da Cunha's 'Os Sertões' in Pré-Modernismo?

Euclides da Cunha's 'Os Sertões' is a key work of Pré-Modernismo, offering a detailed and regionalist account of the Brazilian countryside and the War of Canudos. It is considered a critical exploration of Brazilian society and culture.

How did Monteiro Lobato influence Pré-Modernismo literature?

Monteiro Lobato was influential due to his exploration of Brazilian rural issues and regionalism, especially in works like 'Urupês' and 'Jeca Tatu,' which critique rural life in Brazil while also being accessible to a wide audience.

What themes did Lima Barreto address in his works during the Pré-Modernismo period?

Lima Barreto's works, such as 'O Triste Fim de Policarpo Quaresma,' addressed social criticism, focusing on urban society and the flaws of Brazilian nationalism. He used colloquial language to critique social structures and politics.