{"id":7875,"date":"2025-09-06T13:06:29","date_gmt":"2025-09-06T17:06:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/other\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/"},"modified":"2026-02-10T19:27:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T00:27:16","slug":"machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/","title":{"rendered":"Machado de Assis biography: life and legacy of Brazil&#8217;s greatest writer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, often simply known as <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong>, stands as an undeniable giant in <a href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/\">Brazilian literature<\/a>, revered for his profound psychological insight and groundbreaking contributions to <strong>realism<\/strong>. His life, marked by humble beginnings and relentless intellectual pursuit, forged a literary legacy that continues to resonate globally.<\/p>\n<p>Born into an era grappling with the vestiges of slavery and profound social inequalities, <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> transcended his circumstances to become a seminal voice. His works offer a trenchant, often ironic, critique of Brazilian society, exploring universal themes of human nature, identity, and the intricate dance of power.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">What you will read in this article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/#The_early_life_and_formative_years_of_Machado_de_Assis\" >The early life and formative years of Machado de Assis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/#The_evolution_of_literary_style_and_major_works\" >The evolution of literary style and major works<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/#The_enduring_legacy_and_the_Brazilian_Academy_of_Letters\" >The enduring legacy and the Brazilian Academy of Letters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/#References\" >References<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/#Frequently_asked_questions\" >Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-literature\/machado-de-assis-biography-life-and-legacy-of-brazils-greatest-writer\/#Profile\" >Profile<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"theearlylifeandformativeyearsofmachadodeassis\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_early_life_and_formative_years_of_Machado_de_Assis\"><\/span>The early life and formative years of Machado de Assis<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis was born on June 21, 1839, in Morro do Livramento, Rio de Janeiro, then the capital of the Empire of Brazil. His background was notably modest; his father, Francisco Jos\u00e9 de Assis, was a wall painter and the son of freed slaves, while his mother, Maria Leopoldina da C\u00e2mara Machado, was a Portuguese washerwoman from the Azores. Born in the country house of Dona Maria Jos\u00e9 de Mendon\u00e7a Barroso Pereira, a benefactor who housed his parents, Joaquim&#8217;s early life was marked by the intersection of patronage and poverty, a theme subtly woven into the fabric of his later works. He had a sister who died young, adding to the early hardships.<\/p>\n<p>Machado&#8217;s formal education was sporadic and limited. He attended a public school but was not considered an outstanding student. However, his intellect and an insatiable curiosity propelled him towards autodidactism. A significant early influence was Father Silveira Sarmento, who became his Latin teacher and a personal friend, fostering the young Joaquim&#8217;s intellectual development. This early exposure to classical studies, particularly through Latin, laid a crucial foundation for his expansive literary and <strong>philosophical understanding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The death of his mother when he was ten years old led his father to remarry Maria In\u00eas da Silva. This period saw Joaquim briefly attend a girls&#8217; school, facilitated by his stepmother who worked there. At night, he embarked on another self-taught journey, learning French from an immigrant baker, a testament to his drive for knowledge. This multilingualism would later broaden his literary horizons, allowing him to engage directly with European intellectual currents.<\/p>\n<p>Machado&#8217;s career trajectory began taking shape in his adolescence. He found a patron in Francisco de Paula Brito, a proprietor of a bookstore, newspaper, and typography. It was Brito who published Joaquim&#8217;s first known poem, &#8220;Ela&#8221; (&#8220;Her&#8221;), in the <em>Marmota Fluminense<\/em> newspaper on January 12, 1855, when <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> was merely 15 years old. The following year, he secured an apprenticeship as a typographer at the Imprensa Oficial, the Official Press, where he received encouragement from the newspaper&#8217;s director, Manuel Ant\u00f4nio de Almeida, a novelist in his own right. This environment also connected him with future prominent figures like journalist Francisco Otaviano and Quintino Bocaiuva, who would later achieve fame as a republican orator. These early experiences provided <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> with invaluable insights into the world of publishing and the sociopolitical landscape of his time.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"theevolutionofliterarystyleandmajorworks\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_evolution_of_literary_style_and_major_works\"><\/span>The evolution of literary style and major works<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Machado&#8217;s literary journey continued to flourish through journalism. In 1858, Francisco Otaviano hired him as a proofreader for the <em>Correio Mercantil<\/em>. While contributing to the <em>Marmota Fluminense<\/em> and other periodicals, his financial struggles persisted, often forcing him to subsist on a single meal a day. Yet, these formative years were instrumental in honing his <strong>observational skills<\/strong> and critical voice. He embraced a unique blend of <strong>realism<\/strong> and psychological depth that would define his later work, often exploring the hypocrisies and nuances of human behavior within the rigid social structures of <a href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/19th-century\/\">19th-century<\/a> Brazil.<\/p>\n<p>The turning point in <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong>&#8216;s career, and indeed in <strong>Brazilian literature<\/strong>, came with the publication of <em>Mem\u00f3rias P\u00f3stumas de Br\u00e1s Cubas<\/em> (<em>Posthumous Memoirs of Br\u00e1s Cubas<\/em>, also translated as <em>Epitaph of a Small Winner<\/em>) in 1881. This novel is widely considered the inaugural work of realism in Brazil, departing from the prevailing romanticism with its innovative narrative structure, cynical tone, and direct address to the reader. The protagonist, Br\u00e1s Cubas, narrates his life from beyond the grave, offering a satirical and unflinching look at society, social climbing, and the futility of human ambition. This work showcased Machado&#8217;s profound philosophical insights and his mastery of narrative experimentation, setting a <strong>new standard<\/strong> for literary expression.<\/p>\n<p>Following this seminal work, <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> solidified his reputation with a series of masterpieces. <em>Quincas Borba<\/em> (also known in English as <em>Philosopher or Dog?<\/em>) continued his exploration of human nature, sanity, and the complexities of philosophical thought, particularly through the fictitious philosophy of Humanitism. However, it is arguably <em>Dom Casmurro<\/em> (1899) that cemented his place as an unparalleled literary figure. This novel, a first-person narrative, delves into themes of jealousy, memory, and the ambiguity of truth, leaving readers to perpetually debate the fidelity of its central female character, Capitu. The enduring debate surrounding Capitu&#8217;s alleged infidelity is a testament to Machado&#8217;s brilliant character development and his ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with universal human dilemmas.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond his novels, <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> was also a prolific short story writer and poet. His short stories, characterized by their <strong>psychological penetration<\/strong> and sharp social commentary, are equally celebrated. &#8220;A Missa do Galo&#8221; (&#8220;Midnight Mass&#8221;), published in 1893, is often hailed as one of the greatest short stories in <strong>Brazilian literature<\/strong>, demonstrating his command of concise yet profound storytelling. His output was diverse, encompassing <a href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/writers-poets\/poetry\/\">poetry<\/a>, chronicles, and even plays, reflecting a comprehensive engagement with the literary arts.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"theenduringlegacyandthebrazilianacademyofletters\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_enduring_legacy_and_the_Brazilian_Academy_of_Letters\"><\/span>The enduring legacy and the Brazilian Academy of Letters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong>&#8216;s influence extends far beyond his individual works. He was a pivotal figure in the establishment of the <a href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/\">Brazilian Academy of Letters<\/a> (<em>Academia Brasileira de Letras<\/em>). Founded in 1897, this institution was conceived as a guardian of the Portuguese language and Brazilian literature, modeled after the <em>Acad\u00e9mie Fran\u00e7aise<\/em>. <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> was not only a co-founder but also its first President, a role he held until his death. His <strong>leadership<\/strong> provided the nascent Academy with intellectual rigor and prestige, ensuring its foundational principles were rooted in literary excellence and national identity. The Academy became a vital platform for promoting and preserving the literary heritage that <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> himself so significantly enriched.<\/p>\n<p>Machado&#8217;s personal journey, from his birth as the grandson of freed slaves in a society still grappling with the institution of slavery to his ascent as Brazil&#8217;s greatest writer, serves as a powerful testament to his genius and resilience. He was a mulatto man in a deeply racialized society, and while his works often did not explicitly address race in overt political terms, contemporary rereadings of his texts increasingly highlight the subtle ways he interrogated social hierarchies and identity in 19th-century Brazil. His experiences with class and racial prejudice, though not always directly stated, profoundly shaped his <strong>critical lens<\/strong>, allowing him to offer a nuanced and often ironic critique of the society he inhabited.<\/p>\n<p>His legacy is one of profound innovation and timeless relevance. <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> mastered language and narrative technique, pushing the boundaries of literary expression and inaugurating a new era for <strong>Brazilian literature<\/strong> with his distinctive brand of <strong>realism<\/strong>. His characters, from the philosophical Br\u00e1s Cubas to the enigmatic Capitu, remain etched in the collective consciousness, embodying the complexities and contradictions of human existence. Through his wit, his keen observations, and his unparalleled ability to delve into the human psyche, <strong>Machado de Assis<\/strong> continues to challenge readers to question appearances, dissect motivations, and reflect on the intricate tapestry of <a href=\"https:\/\/fraseologia.com\/en\/brazilian-thinkers\/brazilian-culture\/\">Brazilian culture<\/a> and beyond, securing his place as an enduring literary titan.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"references\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>BRITANNICA. <em>Machado de Assis<\/em>. Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica, 2023. Available at: https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Machado-de-Assis\nEN.WIKIPEDIA. <em>Machado de Assis<\/em>. Wikipedia, 2023. Available at: https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Machado<em>de<\/em>Assis\nSTUDYLATAM. <em>Machado de Assis: Biography, works, and legacy<\/em>. StudyLatam, 2023. Available at: https:\/\/studylatam.com\/machado-de-assis-biography-works-and-legacy\/\nTHE GREAT THINKERS. <em>Machado de Assis: Brazilian Writer<\/em>. The Great Thinkers, 2023. Available at: https:\/\/thegreatthinkers.org\/machado-de-assis\/<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_asked_questions\"><\/span>Frequently asked questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block schema-faq-code\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section faq-question\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<div class=\"faq-question-name\" itemprop=\"name\"><b>What challenges did Machado de Assis face during his early life and how did he overcome them?<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer faq-a\" itemprop=\"text\"><p>Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1839 to a humble family, Machado de Assis was the grandson of freed slaves in a society where slavery persisted. Despite limited formal education, he was a prodigious autodidact, teaching himself multiple languages including French, English, German, and Greek. He navigated societal prejudices, including those related to his mulatto background, speech impediment, and epilepsy, to rise through sheer intellect and determination, securing various public positions.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section faq-question\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<div class=\"faq-question-name\" itemprop=\"name\"><b>How did Machado de Assis influence Brazilian literature and what are his most notable works?<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer faq-a\" itemprop=\"text\"><p>Machado de Assis is widely recognized as the greatest writer of Brazilian literature, fundamentally shaping the realist movement in Brazil with his seminal work, *Mem\u00f3rias P\u00f3stumas de Br\u00e1s Cubas* (1881). His writing is celebrated for its keen wit, incisive social critique, and profound psychological insight. Other renowned works include *Dom Casmurro*, *Quincas Borba* (also known as *Philosopher or Dog?*), and the acclaimed short story &#8220;A Missa do Galo&#8221; (&#8220;Midnight Mass&#8221;).<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section faq-question\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<div class=\"faq-question-name\" itemprop=\"name\"><b>What was Machado de Assis&#8217;s role in the establishment of the Brazilian Academy of Letters?<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer faq-a\" itemprop=\"text\"><p>A pivotal figure in Brazilian cultural life, Machado de Assis was instrumental in the founding of the Brazilian Academy of Letters in 1897. He served as its first President, a testament to his immense stature and influence within the literary community. This role cemented his legacy not only as a writer but also as an institution-builder dedicated to promoting Brazilian literature and language.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq-section faq-question\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\">\n<div class=\"faq-question-name\" itemprop=\"name\"><b>Beyond his literary achievements, what personal aspects defined Machado de Assis&#8217;s public and private life?<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" itemscope=\"\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\n<div class=\"schema-faq-answer faq-a\" itemprop=\"text\"><p>Machado de Assis led a multifaceted life, working as a public servant, notably in the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade, and Public Works. His marriage to Carolina Augusta Xavier de Novais in 1869 was a significant personal anchor, and her death in 1904 profoundly affected him, inspiring his sonnet &#8220;A Carolina.&#8221; His mulatto identity and the societal prejudices he faced have been subject to contemporary reevaluation, highlighting his critical perspective on Brazil&#8217;s complex racial hierarchies.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Profile\"><\/span> Profile <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"schema-person\">\n    <div>\n        <meta content=\"MachadoDeAssis_Brazil\">\n        <meta content=\"1839-06-21\">\n        <meta content=\"1908-09-29\">\n        <meta content=\"Brazilian\">\n        <meta content=\"Male\">\n        \n        <header class=\"person-header\">\n            <h3 class=\"person-name\">Machado de Assis<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"alternate-name\">Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis<\/div>\n            <div class=\"alternate-name\">The Wizard of Cosme Velho<\/div>\n        <\/header>\n\n        <div class=\"dates\">\n            <strong>Born:<\/strong> \n            <span>June 21, 1839<\/span> &#8211; \n            <span>\n                <span>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil<\/span>\n            <\/span>\n            <br>\n            <strong>Died:<\/strong> \n            <span>September 29, 1908<\/span> &#8211; \n            <span>\n                <span>Rio de Janeiro, Brazil<\/span>\n            <\/span>\n            <br>\n            <strong>Active Years:<\/strong> circa 1855 \u2013 1908\n        <\/div>\n        \n        <div class=\"description\">\n            Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis was a Brazilian novelist, short story writer, poet, playwright, and literary critic, widely regarded as the greatest writer of Brazilian literature. He was a pioneer of Brazilian Realism, Naturalism, and Psychological Fiction. Machado de Assis founded and was the first president of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. His innovative works, such as &#8220;The Posthumous Memoirs of Br\u00e1s Cubas&#8221; and &#8220;Dom Casmurro,&#8221; explore themes of hypocrisy, social conventions, psychological complexities, and the nature of reality, often with a subtle irony and profound insight into human nature. His legacy continues to influence Brazilian and world literature.\n        <\/div>\n        \n        <!-- Organized Details -->\n        <div class=\"details-section\">\n            <div class=\"detail-group\">\n                <h3>Professional Life and Roles<\/h3>\n                <div>Writer<\/div>\n                <div>Novelist<\/div>\n                <div>Short Story Writer<\/div>\n                <div>Poet<\/div>\n                <div>Playwright<\/div>\n                <div>Journalist<\/div>\n                <div>Literary Critic<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"detail-group\">\n                <h3>Family<\/h3>\n                <div><strong>Father:<\/strong> \n                    <span>\n                        <span>Francisco Jos\u00e9 de Assis<\/span>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div><strong>Mother:<\/strong> \n                    <span>\n                        <span>Maria Leopoldina da C\u00e2mara Machado<\/span>\n                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <div><strong>Spouse:<\/strong> \n                    <span>\n                        <span>Carolina Augusta Xavier de Novais<\/span>\n                    <\/span> (m. 1869)\n                <\/div>\n                <div><strong>Children:<\/strong> None<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"awards\">\n            <h3>Significant Distinctions<\/h3>\n            <div>Founding Member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters<\/div>\n            <div>First President of the Brazilian Academy of Letters (1897-1908)<\/div>\n            <div>Considered the greatest writer of Brazilian literature<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n        <div class=\"links-section\">\n            <h3>Sources and External Links<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"link-category\">\n                <h4>Encyclopedias<\/h4>\n                <div class=\"links\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Machado_de_Assis\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia (EN)<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/pt.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Machado_de_Assis\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Wikipedia (PT)<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/biography\/Joaquim-Maria-Machado-de-Assis\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Encyclop\u00e6dia Britannica<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newworldencyclopedia.org\/entry\/Machado_de_Assis\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">New World Encyclopedia<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"link-category\">\n                <h4>Literary Institutions<\/h4>\n                <div class=\"links\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.academia.org.br\/academicos\/machado-de-assis\/biografia\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Brazilian Academy of Letters (ABL)<\/a>\n                    Machado de Assis Portal\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"link-category\">\n                <h4>Academic Databases<\/h4>\n                <div class=\"links\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q218898\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Wikidata<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/viaf.org\/viaf\/27068152\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">VIAF<\/a>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/id.loc.gov\/authorities\/names\/n80077776.html\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Library of Congress<\/a>\n                    IdRef (France)\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            <div class=\"link-category\">\n                <h4>Works and Archives<\/h4>\n                <div class=\"links\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gutenberg.org\/ebooks\/author\/3773\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Project Gutenberg<\/a>\n                    Internet Archive\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/digital.bbm.usp.br\/handle\/bbm\/1\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Biblioteca Brasiliana Digital USP (Works and Studies)<\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n        <div>\n            <span>Brazilian Literature<\/span>\n            <span>Realism<\/span>\n            <span>Naturalism<\/span>\n            <span>Psychological Fiction<\/span>\n            <span>Short Stories<\/span>\n            <span>Novels<\/span>\n            <span>Journalism<\/span>\n            <span>Poetry<\/span>\n            <span>Literary Criticism<\/span>\n            <span>\n                <span>Writer<\/span>\n                <span>circa 1855<\/span>\n                <span>1908<\/span>\n            <\/span>\n            <span>\n                <span>President of the Brazilian Academy of Letters<\/span>\n                <span>July 20, 1897<\/span>\n                <span>September 29, 1908<\/span>\n            <\/span>\n        <\/div>\n  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