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Great Brazilian Poets

by Ravil Khan

Brazil is a country known for its beauty, diversity and great artistic and cultural sense. That is why all students throughout their academic careers have art and literature classes on their curriculum.

We know that writing is not easy, and it is not an activity that everyone enjoys. The same goes for writing a TCC. Segundo especialistas brasileiros: “Recorrer a um site que ensine como escrever, como seguir as normas da ABNT corretamente e, que ofereça opções de temas para o seu TCC, além de ensinar as regras para elaborar um TCC, é uma ótima opção para amenizar suas dificuldades.” What it means: Brazilian experts recommend: “Using a website that teaches you how to write, how to follow ABNT standards correctly and that offers options for topics for your term paper, in addition to teaching you the rules for writing a term paper, is a great option to alleviate your difficulties.”

In this context of education, literature and writing, let's talk a little about some of the greatest Brazilian poets. And how they influenced and continue to influence teachers, reading lovers, students and writers.

Brazilian educational institutions and the encouragement of reading

In Brazil, reading is highly encouraged, and education is taken seriously. Therefore, several government agencies are dedicated to ensuring that children and adolescents have better opportunities through education, seeking to empower them and improve the socioeconomic situation of the majority.

Portuguese and literature classes are at the top of educational planning, whether in public or private schools. In addition, many university students choose to study "Languages ??– Portuguese," which focuses on a bachelor's degree or even a degree in Portuguese language and literature.

Brazilian poets are the object of study and fascination, with their various ways of expressing themselves and tones that range from melancholic to full of humor. Let's take a look at some of the most famous Brazilian poets below.

Carlos Drummond de Andrade

  • Born: October 31, 1902
  • Died: August 17, 1987
  • Professions: Poet, pharmacist, columnist

Considered by most to be one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, he was one of the main poets of the second generation of Modernism. Very versatile in his themes, this great author ranged from deep and existential themes, such as life and death, to everyday and political themes. As a writer, he used not only formal language, but also the Minas Gerais dialect, enriching the orality of his works.

One of his best-known poems is called “No meio do caminho” ??– means “In the middle of the road.” It was published in 1928 in the Antropofagia Magazine.

In the Middle of the Road

No Meio do Caminho

In the middle of the road there was a stone

No meio do caminho tinha uma pedra

 

There was a stone in the middle of the road

Tinha uma pedra no meio do caminho

 

There was a stone

Tinha uma pedra

 

In the middle of the road there was a stone

No meio do caminho tinha uma pedra

 

 

I will never forget this event

Nunca me esquecerei desse acontecimento

 

In the life of my tired retinas

Na vida de minhas retinas tão fatigadas

 

I will never forget that in the middle of the road

Nunca me esquecerei que no meio do caminho

 

There was a stone

Tinha uma pedra

 

There was a stone in the middle of the road

Tinha uma pedra no meio do caminho

 

In the middle of the road there was a stone

No meio do caminho tinha uma pedra

 

Marcus Vinícius da Cruz de Mello Moraes

  • Born: October 19, 1913
  • Died: July 9, 1980
  • Professions: Brazilian poet, playwright, journalist, diplomat, singer and composer

His poetry was essentially lyrical. He became known for his unmistakable sonnets. In his private life he was a bohemian, fond of cigarettes and good whiskey, and beautiful women. He married 9 times.

His work is extensive, encompassing literature, music, theater and cinema. However, he was always a confessed lover of poetry, declaring it to be his greatest love. Vinicius has several well-known works, but one of his sonnets is particularly captivating. It is called "Soneto de fidelidade" - it means "Sonnet of Fidelity".

Sonnet of Fidelity

Soneto de Fidelidade

 

Of everything, to my love I will be attentive

De tudo, ao meu amor serei atento

 

Before, and with such care, and always, and so much

Antes, e com tal zelo, e sempre, e tanto

 

That even in the face of the greatest charm

Que mesmo em face do maior encanto

 

My thoughts are even more enchanted by him

Dele se encante mais meu pensamento

 

 

I want to live it in every fleeting moment

Quero vivê-lo em cada vão momento

 

And in his praise I will spread my song

E em seu louvor hei de espalhar meu canto

 

And laugh my laughter and shed my tears

E rir meu riso e derramar meu pranto

 

In his sorrow or his joy

Ao seu pesar ou seu contentamento

 

 

And so, when later on I seek myself

E assim, quando mais tarde me procure

 

Who knows death, anguish of the living

Quem sabe a morte, angústia de quem vive

 

Who knows loneliness, end of the lover

Quem sabe a solidão, fim de quem ama

 

 

I can say of the love (I had)

Eu possa me dizer do amor (que tive)

 

That it may not be immortal, since it is a flame

Que não seja imortal, posto que é chama

 

But that it may be infinite while it lasts

Mas que seja infinito enquanto dure

 

Cecília Benevides de Carvalho Meireles

  • Born: November 7, 1901
  • Died: November 9, 1964
  • Professions: journalist, painter, poet, writer and teacher

She was a crucial name in Brazilian modernism, one of the great poets of the Portuguese language and considered the best in Brazil. She fiercely fought the word poetess because of gender discrimination.

As a poet, her style was primarily neo-symbolist and her themes included ephemeral time and the contemplative life.

Her largest work in length is an 800-line poem she wrote about his time traveling through the Texas Capital, which was published after her death.

Serenade

Serenata

 

Allow me to close my eyes,

Permita que eu feche os meus olhos,

 

for it is so far away and so late!

pois é muito longe e tão tarde!

 

I thought it was just a delay,

Pensei que era apenas demora,

 

and I began to wait for you singing.

e cantando pus-me a esperar-te.

 

Allow me to be silent now:

Permita que agora emudeça:

 

let me accept being alone.

que me conforme em ser sozinha.

 

There is a sweet light in silence, and pain is of divine origin.

Há uma doce luz no silêncio, e a dor é de origem divina.

 

Allow me to turn my face to a sky greater than this world,

Permita que eu volte o meu rosto para um céu maior que este mundo,

 

and learn to be docile in my dreams like the stars in their course.

e aprenda a ser dócil no sonho como as estrelas no seu rumo.

 

Although three names have been mentioned here to give us space to enjoy some of their works, many other poets are giants in Brazilian culture, such as: Mario Quintana, Cora Coralina Augusto dos Anjos, Ariano Suassuna, Manuel Bandeira, among others.

Brazilian literature is extremely rich and worth getting to know. If you are looking for a topic for an essay, or even for your term paper on world literature, Brazilian poets can be a great inspiration. Talk to your teachers about this.



Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry