Personal Growth & Mindset
Machado de Assis: This Viral TikTok Explains Why You Need to Read ‘The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas’ Now
The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas
“The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas,” published in 1881, is considered Machado de Assis’s masterpiece.
The novel is narrated by Brás Cubas, a deceased man who reflects on his life from beyond the grave, offering a unique perspective that was revolutionary at the time.
The novel’s structure is unconventional, with fragmented chapters and a conversational tone that directly addresses the reader.
This narrative style allows Machado to explore themes such as the absurdity of social ambitions, the futility of human endeavors, and the inevitability of death.
The humor and irony in “The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas” have earned it comparisons to the works of Laurence Sterne and Henry Fielding. It’s a profound meditation on life and human nature, disguised as the whimsical memoirs of a dead man.
The novel’s innovative approach and timeless themes make it essential reading for anyone interested in exploring the depths of human experience through literature.
One of the reasons you should read “The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas” is its unique narrative voice. The protagonist, Brás Cubas, speaks to the reader with a candidness and wit that feels surprisingly modern.
This direct engagement breaks the fourth wall and creates an intimate connection with the reader, making the novel feel alive and relevant even today.
Additionally, the novel’s exploration of universal themes such as ambition, regret, and mortality provides profound insights into the human condition.
The Author masterfully blends humor with philosophical reflections, making readers laugh while prompting them to ponder deeper questions about life and society.
Ultimately, “The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas” is not just a cornerstone of Brazilian literature but a masterpiece of world literature.
Its innovative style, engaging narrative, and timeless themes ensure that it remains a captivating and thought-provoking read for generations to come.
Comparing Assis and Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho is another Brazilian author who has achieved international fame, particularly with his novel “The Alchemist.” While Coelho’s work is often mystical and allegorical, Machado’s writing is grounded in realism and satire.
Coelho’s success as a best-selling author is undeniable, but many critics argue that his work lacks the literary depth and complexity of Machado’s. Where Coelho’s narratives are straightforward and inspirational, Machado’s are layered with irony and critical social commentary.
Despite these differences, both authors have contributed significantly to bringing Brazilian literature to a global audience. Coelho’s accessible storytelling contrasts with Machado’s more nuanced and intellectually demanding prose, offering different flavors of Brazilian literature to the world.
The Influence of Luís de Camões
Luís de Camões, the great Portuguese poet, is best known for his epic poem “The Lusiads,” which celebrates the Portuguese explorations of the 16th century.
His work is a cornerstone of Portuguese literature and has influenced countless writers, including Machado de Assis. While Machado and Camões wrote in different genres and eras, there are connections in their exploration of national identity and human experience.
Machado’s subtle irony and keen observation of society can be seen as a modern counterpart to Camões’s grand and heroic narratives.
Both authors wrote in Portuguese, reflecting their shared linguistic and cultural heritage. This common language is a testament to Brazil’s historical ties as a former Portuguese colony, highlighting the rich and intertwined literary traditions of the Lusophone world.
Both authors have left indelible marks on their respective literary traditions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Lusophone world.
Machado de Assis and American Literature
Comparing Machado de Assis to American writers offers a fascinating perspective on his literary significance. Authors like Mark Twain and Nathaniel Hawthorne share Machado’s talent for social critique and complex character portrayals.
Mark Twain’s humor and satirical approach in works like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” resonate with Machado’s style in “The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas.”
Both authors use wit to expose societal flaws and human weaknesses.
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s exploration of moral complexity in “The Scarlet Letter” mirrors Machado’s deep psychological insights. Both writers delve into the darker aspects of human nature, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths.
However, Machado’s narrative techniques, such as the unreliable narrator and breaking the fourth wall, were ahead of his time, influencing later American writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Vladimir Nabokov.
Nabokov, known for his complex characters and inventive narrative structures, would likely have admired Machado’s innovative approach to storytelling.
The use of an unreliable narrator in “The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas” predates and perhaps anticipates the narrative playfulness seen in Nabokov’s “Pale Fire.”
American literary critic Harold Bloom referred to M. de Assis as a “genius” and noted his remarkable influence on modern literature.
