Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis
- Born:
- June 21, 1839, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Died:
- September 29, 1908, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nationality:
- Brazilian
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Poet, Playwright, Short Story Writer, Journalist, Literary Critic
Early Life and Education
- Born to Francisco José de Assis, a painter and gilder, and Maria Leopoldina da Câmara Machado, a laundress.
- Largely self-educated due to limited formal schooling.
- Learned French, English, and German, crucial for his literary development.
- Began his career as a typesetter in a printing house.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked as a journalist for various newspapers, including Diário do Rio de Janeiro and O Cruzeiro.
- Considered the founder of Realism in Brazilian literature.
- Helped establish the Brazilian Academy of Letters (Academia Brasileira de Letras) in 1897 and served as its first president.
- His works explored themes of skepticism, pessimism, and the hypocrisy of Brazilian society.
Notable Works
- Novels:
- Ressurreição (1872)
- Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas (1881)
- Quincas Borba (1891)
- Dom Casmurro (1899)
- Esaú e Jacó (1904)
- Memorial de Aires (1908)
- Short Stories:
- "O Alienista"
- "A Igreja do Diabo"
The exploration of various editions and "capas de livros machado de assis biography" visuals showcases the continued interest in his work across different generations and interpretations.
Legacy and Impact
Machado de Assis is considered the greatest writer in Brazilian literature and one of the most important figures in world literature. His innovative narrative techniques, psychological insight, and satirical wit continue to influence writers and readers today. His works are studied in universities worldwide, solidifying his position as a literary giant.