The adoption of formal and thematic innovations of Modernism in Brazilian literature occurred on two levels: a specific level, directly impacting the work’s structure, and a generic level, fostering the rejection of old standards. By the 1930s, nonconformity and anti-conventionalism became accepted, even by those unfamiliar with Modernism. This shift is evident in the comparative reading of two texts: Candido’s analysis of the 1930s literary landscape and the provided exam question focusing on Manuel Bandeira and Mario de Andrade.
The Legacy of Modernism in the 1930s
Antonio Candido, in “A revolução de 30 e a cultura,” argues that almost all quality writers benefited from the liberation spearheaded by Modernists. This liberation involved a purification of language, embracing simplification and colloquialisms, breaking away from previous artificiality. Authors like Graciliano Ramos and Dionélio Machado, while not directly influenced by Modernism, were accepted because their stark prose aligned with the new aesthetic standards established by the movement.
Alt: The Copan Building in Sao Paulo, Brazil, a prime example of modernist architecture reflecting the era’s artistic shifts.
In poetry, the shift was even more profound. Traditional forms became obsolete, and poets adopted free verse or freely adapted traditional meters to express anti-sentimentalism and a rejection of emphatic language.
Bandeira and Andrade: Exemplars of Modernist Maturity
The exam question highlights Manuel Bandeira and Mario de Andrade as key figures in this evolution. The correct answer (C) accurately positions them as proponents of Modernist poetry in 1922 who continued to refine and mature their craft in subsequent decades. This aligns with Candido’s observation about the consolidation and diffusion of the Modernist poetic in the 1930s and 1940s, a period that witnessed the mature works of these literary giants.
Alt: A black and white photograph of Brazilian modernist authors Mario de Andrade and Manuel Bandeira, highlighting their central role in the literary movement.
Other answer choices misrepresent their relationship with Modernism. They neither rejected nor later adopted its tenets (A), nor did they find its proposals too rational (B). They embraced free verse early on, invalidating options (D) and (E).
Conclusion: A Comparative Perspective
A comparative reading of Candido’s analysis and the exam question reveals a consistent narrative: Modernism profoundly impacted Brazilian literature, liberating writers from outdated conventions and paving the way for new forms of expression. Bandeira and Andrade stand as prime examples of artists who not only embraced this movement but also contributed to its maturation and lasting influence on the literary landscape. Their continued exploration and refinement of Modernist principles solidify their place as central figures in Brazilian literary history.
