65 pages • 2 hours read
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, Transl. Gregory RabassaThe Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1881A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Literary Context: Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis and Brazilian Realism
The literary movement of Realism emerged in Brazil in the mid-19th century as a reaction against the romanticized depictions of Brazilian society that had dominated literature up to that point. It aimed to present a faithful portrayal of everyday life, eschewing the idealized perspectives of earlier writers. While bearing similarities to the global Realist movement, Brazilian Realism unfolded under unique circumstances. Unlike in other nations, ideas from the Enlightenment and bourgeois revolutions of the first half of the 19th century circulated in imperial Brazil but had limited transformative impact. This context shaped literary Realism in the nation, prompting authors to grapple with the complex and contradictory realities of a former Portuguese colony in its late transition into modernity.
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis (1839-1908) emerged as a prominent figure in the Brazilian Realist movement, pioneering the genre and earning global recognition for his insightful portrayals of 19th-century Brazilian society. In The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas (1881), the novel credited with inaugurating the Realist movement in Brazil, the author exposes the hypocrisy and superficiality of the elite of his time. He satirizes their pursuit of social status and obsession with wealth. The novel’s exploration of these themes reflects the broader social and political transformations taking place in post-independence Brazil. Brás Cubas is hailed for its subtle yet biting critique of the status quo of the era.
Machado de Assis’s distinctive ironic and witty prose, coupled with his innovative narrative techniques, elevated his works beyond the limitations of conventional Realism. He introduced elements such as irony, satire, and metafiction, adding depth and complexity to the genre’s exploration of social realities. While some expected more overt criticism of the political institutions of his era, modern critics applaud Machado de Assis’s nuanced exploration of the social and political context of his time, particularly in his later works. Brás Cubas heralded a new era in Brazilian literature, laying the groundwork for the author’s subsequent works and cementing his position as one of Brazil’s most celebrated and enduring authors.
Socio-Historical Context: 19th-Century Brazil
Brazil underwent a seismic shift in its social and political landscape after proclaiming independence from Portugal in 1822. Despite breaking away from its colonial ties, the nation retained a monarchy, with Pedro I, son of the then Portuguese king John VI, ascending as its first emperor. Brazil’s ties to its former colonizer remained strong, and the monarchy ruled the new empire for over six decades. Slavery, deeply entrenched in the nation at the time, remained a fundamental pillar of Brazilian society, shaping its social strata. The abolition of slavery would not come until 1888 after the monarchy was abolished.
One of the key features of 19th-century Brazilian society was its system of nobility. Titles were not solely attained through traditional means such as political sway, military service, or marriage but were also available for purchase. This distinctive feature opened gateways for upward social mobility, enabling individuals to ascend the social ladder through their personal accomplishments and financial largesse. This deepened the divisions within Brazil’s socioeconomically stratified social landscape, making economic standing the key to social ascent and prestige.
Set against the backdrop of Brazil’s imperial phase, Machado de Assis’s The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas (1881) explores social class, political ambition, and the pursuit of power. The novel’s narrator and protagonist, Brás Cubas, embodies the complexities of the Brazilian elite, navigating the shifting tides of power and privilege while seeking to preserve his own status and influence. The novel’s satirical and ironic tone critiques the hypocrisy and superficiality of the elite, exposing the social hierarchy of his time.
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