OS SERTÕES Euclides da Cunha

Summary

In this engaging lecture, Cristiane, a literature professor, discusses the significance of 'Os Sertões,' a major work of Brazilian literature by Euclides da Cunha. She explores its portrayal of the War of Canudos and the figure of Antônio Conselheiro, highlighting the conflict between two distinct visions of Brazil: the civilized coastal Brazil and the harsh, neglected desert Brazil. Da Cunha's work delves into determinism, portraying how geography and race shape individuals. Through vivid descriptions and a mix of history, sociology, and biology, the book offers a profound reflection on Brazil's socio-political landscape at the turn of the 20th century.

Takeaways

• 😀 The work 'Os Sertões' by Euclides da Cunha is one of the most important books in Brazilian literature, often ranked alongside 'Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas' and 'Grande Sertão: Veredas.'
• 😀 'Os Sertões' is a historical account of the War of Canudos, which took place in the late 19th century in Brazil, showcasing the conflict between the people of Canudos and the government forces.
• 😀 The book explores the figure of Antônio Conselheiro, a charismatic and fanatical leader who gathered followers in the desert, leading to a conflict with the government over a wooden shipment.
• 😀 The book presents a conflict between two distinct Brazils: the 'civilized' coastal Brazil, represented by the elites of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and the 'deserted' and marginalized inland Brazil.
• 😀 Euclides da Cunha, as a journalist, was sent to report on the war, but his experience led him to understand a deeper division in the country—one of cultural and geographical disparity.
• 😀 The work reflects the deterministic philosophy of the time, where the environment (climate and race) was believed to shape people's behavior and character.
• 😀 The book is divided into three parts: 'Land,' 'Man,' and 'War,' where the first two explore the harshness of the land and the strength of the Sertanejo people, while the third part recounts the actual conflict.
• 😀 The first part of the book is highly scientific, focusing on biological and environmental descriptions of the Sertão, making it a challenging read but important for understanding the landscape that shaped the people.
• 😀 The second part delves into the Sertanejo people, characterizing them as resilient and strong despite the harsh conditions. Euclides compares them to a paradoxical figure—Hercules and Quasimodo—symbolizing both strength and defect.
• 😀 Antônio Conselheiro, a former ordinary man turned religious leader, becomes a messianic figure in Canudos, gathering a following. His belief in his divine mission leads to a conflict with the new Brazilian Republic, which deems him and his followers as imperialist enemies.
• 😀 The War of Canudos was fought in multiple expeditions, with the government forces continuously underestimating the knowledge and resilience of the Sertanejos. Despite being outnumbered, the Sertanejos used their intimate knowledge of the land to defend themselves effectively.
• 😀 The conflict culminated in the complete destruction of Canudos, with the government sending 8,000 soldiers in the final expedition. The Sertanejos' resilience and bravery became legendary, but the war exposed the deep divide and prejudices within Brazil.

Q & A

What is the significance of *Os Sertões* in Brazilian literature?

It is one of the main works in Brazilian literature, often considered one of the top three, alongside *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas* and *Grande Sertão: Veredas*. The book explores the War of Canudos and represents a significant cultural and historical analysis of Brazil in the late 19th century.

What is the central event portrayed in *Os Sertões*?

The central event is the War of Canudos, which took place in the late 19th century in Brazil. The war was a result of a conflict between the Brazilian government and the followers of Antônio Conselheiro, a religious leader in the Sertão region.

How does Euclides da Cunha view the division between Brazil's regions?

Euclides da Cunha highlights a division between two Brazils: the 'civilized' Brazil of the coastal elites, represented by Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and the 'marginalized' Brazil of the Sertão, a harsh, arid desert region with a distinct culture and way of life.

What role does determinism play in *Os Sertões*?

Determinism is a major theme in the book, influenced by the ideas of philosopher Hippolyte Taine. Da Cunha argues that people are shaped by their environment and racial background. The harsh environment of the Sertão influences the behavior and character of its inhabitants, including the strong, resilient Sertanejo people.

What are the three parts of *Os Sertões*, and what do they represent?

The book is divided into three parts: 'The Land,' 'The Man,' and 'The Struggle.' The first part discusses the physical environment of the Sertão, the second focuses on the characteristics of the Sertanejo people, and the third details the historical events of the War of Canudos.

Why does Euclides da Cunha describe the Sertanejo as both a 'Hercules' and a 'Quasimodo'?

He uses this paradox to describe the Sertanejo as strong and resilient like Hercules, but also marked by a flaw, much like Quasimodo. Despite the harsh conditions of the Sertão, the Sertanejo survives and is strong, though his environment and background often present challenges that could make him seem like a 'loser'.

What was Antônio Conselheiro's role in the War of Canudos?

Antônio Conselheiro was a religious leader who attracted a following of people in the Sertão. He believed himself to be a prophet and led his followers in Canudos, where they resisted government forces. His role as a leader and his religious fervor played a central part in the conflict.

How does Euclides da Cunha depict the government forces in the War of Canudos?

The government forces, which were made up of soldiers from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, were ill-prepared for the conditions of the Sertão. They initially underestimated the resistance and resilience of the Sertanejo people, leading to several failed expeditions before eventually overwhelming Canudos with massive military force.

What does the phrase 'O sertanejo, antes de tudo, um forte' mean, and why is it significant?

'The Sertanejo, above all, is a strong man' is a phrase that encapsulates the resilience and toughness of the Sertanejo people. Despite their harsh conditions and lack of resources, they are able to endure and survive, showcasing their strength and determination.

What does Euclides da Cunha's portrayal of the War of Canudos suggest about Brazilian identity?

Through the War of Canudos, da Cunha illustrates the conflict between the 'civilized' Brazil of the coast and the 'wild' Brazil of the Sertão. His portrayal emphasizes the complexities of Brazilian identity, including issues of class, race, and regionalism, and reveals how different parts of Brazil were seen as disconnected and misunderstood by the central government.