Main masterpieces:
- Memorial do Convento (1982)
- O Ano da Morte de Ricardo Reis (1984)
- A Jangada de Pedra (1986)
- O Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo (1991)
- Ensaio Sobre a Cegueira (1995)
- Caim (2009)
Historical period in literature:
Contemporary literature, Historical Realism period
Effort to revive the Portuguese history and identity through a new language
Saramago’s literary world consists of four key
elements. First the question of modern man in a double
logic of assuming a critical position on the past and at the same time, learn
from the past. Second the introduction of supernatural elements but never keeping away from the real world. Third the
attempt of a new language different in punctuation. Finally the journey not only
in the real world but also inside the Man through
imagination. With these elements
of 'time', 'supernatural', 'torrential narrative' and 'journey' that interpenetrate his works searched for utopia through allegorical allusions, criticism and ethics.
Apart from the elaborate work of language, Saramago deeply deals with the problems of the contemporary
Portugal and the identity of Lusitanian
people. Besides showing the direction
in which Portugal should follow
and its world view, Saramago
searches for the man's identity lost
in modern society.
In conclusion, the magnitude of Saramago's works lies in the effort to evoke the history and identity of the 'lost homeland', together with the search for a new literary language in which states his experimental spirit.
In conclusion, the magnitude of Saramago's works lies in the effort to evoke the history and identity of the 'lost homeland', together with the search for a new literary language in which states his experimental spirit.
Literary Awards
Among the awards stand out the Camões
Prize (1995) – highest distinction given to the Portuguese-language writers, and Nobel
Prize in Literature (1998),
the first awarded to a Portuguese language writer.
Quotes that are worth remembering
"I think we are blind. Blind people who can
see, but do not see."
"I never appreciated 'positive heroes' in
literature. They are almost always cliches, copies of copies, until the model
is exhausted. I prefer perplexity, doubt, uncertainty, not just because it
provides a more 'productive' literary raw material, but because that is the way
we humans really are."
"I can't imagine myself outside any kind of
social or political involvement."
"Human vocabulary is still not capable, and
probably never will be,
of knowing, recognizing, and communicating everything
that can be humanly experienced and felt."
"As citizens, we all have an obligation to
intervene and become involved - it's the citizen who changes things."
"A human being is a being who is constantly
'under construction,' but also, in a parallel fashion, always in a state of constant
destruction."
Ensaio Sobre a Cegueira adapted into movie in 2008
Original title: Blindness
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Cast: Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Gael García Bernal, Danny Glover, Yoshino Kimura, Alice Bragam Sandra Oh
Watching movie trailer
Consulted sources:
Portal da Literatura Portuguesainfopédia_JoséSaramago
lithis
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