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Discover
the lesser-known facets of Brazil’s greatest writer and be inspired by his
journey of resilience, creativity, and cultural impact.
He was born on a hill in Rio
de Janeiro, faced prejudice and limitations, yet transformed his life into an
eternal literary legacy. Who was Machado de Assis, really? Dive into this
fascinating story and uncover surprising facts that will change how you see the
“Wizard of Cosme Velho”!
Imagine a poor boy,
descendant of enslaved Africans, stuttering, epileptic, with no access to
formal education, who, against all odds, becomes the greatest writer in
Brazilian literature. This is the story of Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, a
name synonymous with genius. But what few know is that Machado was not just a
brilliant novelist; he was a chronicler, poet, playwright, theater critic, and
a keen observer of 19th-century society. His life is a lesson in resilience and
creativity, showing that talent can flourish even in the most adverse
conditions. In this article, we will explore the lesser-known facets of
Machado, from his passion for theater to his influence on modern educational
and cultural methodologies, such as those developed by Antônio Carlos dos
Santos. Prepare for an inspiring journey through the universe of a genius who
continues to teach us.
Machado was born in
1839, on Livramento Hill, Rio de Janeiro, to a humble family. His father,
Francisco José de Assis, was a house painter, and his mother, Maria Leopoldina,
a washerwoman. Orphaned by his mother as a child, Machado was raised by his
stepmother and faced a childhood marked by hardship. He never attended
university, but his thirst for knowledge led him to teach himself French,
English, German, and even Greek. This autodidacticism is a powerful example of
how curiosity can overcome barriers. Recent studies from the University of São
Paulo (USP) highlight that Machado’s self-taught education shaped his critical
perspective, enabling him to create timeless works like Memórias Póstumas de
Brás Cubas, a cornerstone of Brazilian Realism. His story reminds us that
education is not confined to classrooms but thrives in the desire to learn.
Curiosity Box: Did you know
Machado was a stutterer? Despite this challenge, he became a master of the
written word and an eloquent theater critic, proving that personal limitations
do not define success.
Machado began his
literary career at 14, publishing poems in local newspapers, such as the sonnet
“To the Illustrious Lady D.P.J.A.,” in Periódico dos Pobres. By 17, he
was working as an apprentice typographer at the Imprensa Nacional, where he met
Manuel Antônio de Almeida, author of Memoirs of a Militia Sergeant. This
encounter was pivotal, as Almeida encouraged him to dive into literature.
Machado soon stood out as a chronicler and theater critic for Correio
Mercantil and Diário do Rio de Janeiro. His ability to observe
society and transform it into sharp-witted texts made him a central figure in
Rio de Janeiro during the Second Empire. He not only wrote but also shaped
public aesthetic tastes, advocating for a national theater that reflected
Brazilian reality instead of mimicking French models.
Motivational Quote: “Do not blame me for
what you find romantic in it. Of all I did then, this was particularly dear to
me.” – Machado de Assis, on his literary evolution. This phrase inspires us to
value our journey, flaws and all.
Machado’s passion for
theater is one of the least explored aspects of his work. He wrote 10 plays,
such as Desencantos (1861) and Do Not Consult a Doctor (1896), which
showcase his ability to engage audiences through complex characters and subtle
irony. As a theater critic, Machado was relentless yet constructive. He
deplored the dominance of translated French plays on Brazilian stages and, in
1858, proposed a tax on such translations to encourage national dramaturgy.
This nationalist vision, according to studies from the Federal University of
Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), reflects his belief in theater as a tool for education
and social transformation. Machado saw the stage as a “school of manners,”
where virtues and vices could be explored to inspire audiences.
Inspiring Story: Like Machado,
Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie overcame cultural barriers to tell
authentic stories. Her novel Americanah mirrors the same critical
observation of society found in Machado, showing that local narratives hold
universal power.
The historical context
of the Second Empire, with its social tensions and transition to the Republic,
deeply shaped Machado’s works. He witnessed the Abolition of Slavery and the
republican coup, events that appear subtly in his texts. His plays and novels,
like Dom Casmurro, are filled with critiques of bourgeois hypocrisy and
racial inequalities. Researchers from the Federal University of Minas Gerais
(UFMG) note that Machado used irony to expose the contradictions of a society
that celebrated abolition while upholding racist structures. His ability to
turn social observations into art invites us, as readers, to question the world
around us.
Practical Tip: Read a page of Memórias
Póstumas de Brás Cubas and jot down a striking phrase. Reflect: how does
this irony apply to today’s world? This practice sharpens critical thinking.
Beyond his literary
output, Machado left an institutional legacy by founding the Brazilian Academy
of Letters in 1897, where he occupied chair number 23. His vision of creating a
space to value national literature resonates to this day. Curiously, he was
also a “stage rat,” a frequent visitor to theater backstages, mingling with
figures like José de Alencar and Joaquim Manuel de Macedo. This connection to
theater inspired modern methodologies, such as those developed by Antônio
Carlos dos Santos, a professor and creator of educational approaches rooted in
theater and popular culture. Santos, author of dozens of works, including The
100 Most Beautiful Fables of Humanity, uses theater as a pedagogical tool,
echoing Machado’s transformative spirit.
Antônio Carlos dos
Santos’ methodologies – MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), ThM (Theater Movement),
and MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater) – exemplify how theater can bridge
education and citizenship. MAT combines mindset shifts with practical stage
actions, encouraging students to reflect on their choices. ThM, described in 555
Exercises, Games, and Workshops to Enhance Theatrical Writing, emphasizes
creativity and structuring dramatic texts, drawing inspiration from masters
like Shakespeare and, indirectly, Machado. MBPT, focused on puppet theater,
uses recycled materials to create narratives that engage communities, promoting
sustainability and popular culture. These approaches show how theater, so dear
to Machado, remains vibrant and relevant.
Curiosity Box: Mané Beiçudo
Puppet Theater – Created by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, this method uses puppets
made from scrap materials to tell stories that revive Brazilian folklore, like
Amazonian legends. It’s a creative way to teach sustainability and citizenship!
Machado’s dramaturgy,
though deemed “mediocre” by critics like Lúcia Miguel Pereira, reveals his
genius in exploring human psychology. Plays like Thou, Only Thou, Pure Love
show a mature Machado, weaving plots that blend humor and melancholy. His
ability to craft dialogues that mock social conventions anticipates modern
screenwriting techniques, as seen in contemporary series. Studies from São
Paulo State University (Unesp) suggest that the metalinguistic elements in his
plays – where characters question the narrative itself – influenced
20th-century Brazilian dramaturgy. This innovation teaches us the value of
thinking outside the box, even in traditional formats.
Inspiring Story: Filmmaker Spike Lee,
like Machado, uses art to challenge racial stereotypes. In Do the Right
Thing, he blends humor and social critique, echoing Machado’s irony. Both
show that art can mirror society.
In conclusion, Machado
de Assis’ life is a call to action. He teaches us that we don’t need privilege
to leave a legacy. His journey of overcoming, dedication to learning, and
passion for theater are timeless lessons. Antônio Carlos dos Santos’
methodologies, inspired by the same love for popular culture, show that
Machado’s legacy lives on in initiatives that blend art, education, and social
transformation. Why not start exploring Machado’s universe today? Read one of his
chronicles, watch a play, or try writing a short story. As he once said, “each
work belongs to its time,” but the inspiration it carries is eternal.
Motivational Quote: “The literary and
social transformation was precisely understood by the people; and old ideas,
entrenched cults, fall as reform takes shape.” – Machado de Assis. May this
phrase inspire us to transform our own world!
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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