Machado de Assis: learn about the history of the master of literature

One of the most illustrious names in the history of Brazil, Machado de Assis was one of the main authors of our country's literature.

At some point in your student life – whether in elementary school, high school, studying for college entrance exams or, depending on the degree you chose, even during college – you studied some work by Machado de Assis.

Despite being a writer who left us a long time ago, the importance and relevance of his works remain alive to this day, being almost obligatory material for students at different stages of life.

Therefore, to celebrate the importance of his legacy, Machado de Assis is our theme today.

In this content, you will learn a little more about the history of one of the main names in the history of Brazil when it comes to literature.

Have a great read!

Who was Machado de Assis?

Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis was born on June 21, 1839, in Morro do Livramento, a peripheral and marginalized region of Rio de Janeiro.

Although many factors in his life – such as his social class and difficult childhood – could negatively affect his future, Machado de Assis overcame all adversities.

He became a successful novelist, columnist, playwright and literary critic.

During his career, Machado de Assis was one of the founders of the Brazilian Academy of Letters, in 1896.

And, after being appointed to seat No. 23, he became the Academy's first president, remaining in office until his death.

The author's influence on the scene was so great that the writer gives his name to one of the main national literary awards offered by the Brazilian Academy of Letters.

The importance of Machado de Assis' works for Brazilian literature

Throughout his career, Machado de Assis published more than 200 short stories, 10 novels and several other types of publications in the most diverse genres, such as plays, chronicles and short stories.

This made him a great reference as a chronicler in his time and, consequently, one of the great icons of national literature to this day.

Machado de Assis' works are so important to the history of Brazil that the author is considered by many critics, scholars, readers and writers to be the greatest name in Brazilian literature.

What are the main works of Machado de Assis?

With a career full of nationally and internationally known publications, it is difficult to choose the author's main works.

Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas

Published in 1881, the novel served as a true turning point in the author's career, elevating Machado de Assis to a new level.

In the work, we follow Brás Cubas who, after his death, invites us to learn more about his experiences in life, but in a very different way: without following any type of chronological line, his narrative begins from his death.

Throughout the book, while he presents us with his life story, we also find several thoughts and comments full of humor and irony.

Dom Casmurro

This, along with Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas, is perhaps one of Machado de Assis' most emblematic works.

One of the classic works of Brazilian literature, the book was first published in 1899.

In the novel, we learn the story of Bento Santiago, the narrator of his own story. Bento Santiago – or simply Bentinho – is a young seminarian who, after meeting Capitu, leaves the seminary to marry her.

But, as time passes, Bentinho's love for Capitu gives way to jealousy and distrust.

And the doubt about Capitu's fidelity intensifies even more when Bentinho begins to notice the similarity that Ezequiel, his son with Capitu, has with Escobar, a great friend of Bentinho.

In addition to being an extremely important work for our literature, Dom Casmurro was the novel responsible for the introduction of Capitu, one of the most emblematic female characters in Brazilian literature.

And another point that Dom Casmurro raises is a question that persists – and generates debate – to this day: after all, did Capitu betray Bentinho or not?

The Alienist

Another very important novel in Machado de Assis' career is The Alienist.

First published in 1882, in the work, we learn the story of Simão Bacamarte.

A respected doctor, he had traveled to several countries before opening his practice in Itaguaí, and became interested in the field of psychiatry. 

Driven by this interest, Simão founded Casa Verde, a hospice to house all patients from the city and the region.

But, as time goes by, Simão becomes more and more obsessed with psychiatry, beginning to see madness in everyone around him.

And this has many effects on your life.

Quincas Borba

In this work, Machado de Assis introduces us to Rubião, a poor man who lives in Barbacena, in the interior of Minas Gerais.

After seeking many paths in life, Rubião becomes a teacher and friend of Joaquim Borba dos Santos, the philosopher Quincas Borba.

After Quincas Borba falls ill and dies, Rubião ends up inheriting all of his friend's money, but with one condition: he must also take care of Quincas Borba, his deceased friend's dog.

After receiving the money, Rubião decides to stop working and moves to Rio de Janeiro. And it is in the capital of Rio de Janeiro that Rubião will face his greatest challenges.

Conclusion

As you can see, it is no wonder that Machado de Assis has established himself as one of the greatest names in our literature. 

Among the novels, plays, short stories and chronicles, Machado de Assis' work has become a true landmark, spanning centuries and, to this day, providing material for studies on the Portuguese language and literature.

This is extremely important for the preservation of our own history.

It is through Machado de Assis' legacy that future generations will learn more about literature and what Brazilian realism was.

Furthermore, they will be able to learn about the movement started by Machado de Assis and which provided opportunities for the authors who would emerge later.

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