Eça de Queirós
Eça de Queirós: A Life of Literature and Legacy
=============================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
José Maria de Eça de Queiroz was a Portuguese novelist, diplomat, and politician. He is commonly known as Eça de Queiroz or simply Eça.
Birth and Death Dates
Eça de Queiroz was born on November 25, 1845, in Povoa de Varzim, Portugal. He passed away on August 21, 1900, in Paris, France.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Portuguese by birth and nationality, Eça de Queiroz was a novelist, diplomat, and politician. His literary career spanned multiple genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and plays.
Early Life and Background
Eça de Queirós came from a wealthy and influential family in Portugal. His father was a banker, and his mother was a member of the aristocracy. This privileged upbringing allowed him to pursue his love of literature and travel extensively throughout Europe.
As a young man, Eça studied law at the University of Coimbra, where he developed an interest in politics and social justice. However, it was during his time spent traveling in Europe that he discovered his true passion for writing.
Major Accomplishments
Eça de Queirós's literary career was marked by several major accomplishments:
He is considered one of the greatest Portuguese writers of all time.
His novels often explored themes of social justice, corruption, and the human condition.
He was a pioneer in the field of modernist literature.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Eça de Queirós's most notable works include:
"The Maias" (Os Maias): A novel that explores the lives of two young women from different social classes and their struggles with love, family, and identity.
"The Relic of Captain Fracassa" (O Processo de Capitu): A novel that reimagines the classic tale of Don Quixote in 19th-century Paris.
He was a vocal advocate for Portuguese independence from Spain.
Impact and Legacy
Eça de Queirós's impact on literature is still felt today. His works continue to be widely read and studied around the world, offering insights into the human condition and social justice issues of his time. His legacy extends beyond his literary contributions; he also played a significant role in shaping Portuguese culture and politics.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Eça de Queirós is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking novels, which offer insights into the human condition. His works often explored themes of social justice, corruption, and the struggles of everyday people. He was a true pioneer in the field of modernist literature, paving the way for future generations of writers.
His quotes are still relevant today, offering wisdom on love, family, identity, and social responsibility. As a writer, diplomat, and politician, Eça de Queirós left an indelible mark on literature and history.
Quotes by Eça de Queirós
Amei aquela criatura. Amei aquela criatura com Amor, com todos os Amores que estão no Amor, o Amor Divino, o Amor Humano, o Amor Bestial, como Santo Antonino amava a Virgem, como Romeu amava Julieta, como um bode ama uma cabra.
Nada desejar e nada recear... Não se abandonar a uma esperança - nem a um desapontamento. Tudo aceitar o que vem e o que foge, com a tranquilidade com que se acolhem as naturais mudanças de dias agrestes e de dias suaves.
Não podemos dar ao operário o pão da terra, mas, obrigando-o a cultivar a fé, preparamos-lhe no Céu banquetes de Luz e Bem-aventurança!
Escutava, com a cabeça apoiada à mão: aqueles sons entravam-lhe na alma com a doçura de vozes místicas que a chamavam: parecia-lhe que ia ser levada por elas, se desprendia de tudo o que era terrestre e agitado, se achava numa praia deserta, junto ao mar triste, sob um frio luar - e ali, puro espírito, livre das misérias carnais, rolava nas ondulações do ar, tremia nos raios luminosos, passava sobre as urzes nos sopros salgados...
Filosofias, ideias, glórias profanas, gerações e impérios passam: são como os suspiros efêmeros do esforço humano: só ela permanece e permanecerá, a cruz - esperança dos homens, confiança dos desesperados, amparo dos frágeis, asilo dos vencidos, força maior da humanidade.
Na arte, a indisciplina dos novos, a sua rebelde força de resistência às correntes da tradição, é indispensável para a revivescência da invenção e do poder criativo, e para a originalidade artística. Ai das literaturas em que não há mocidade!
