# Machado de Assis

> Brazilian writer (1839–1908)

**Wikidata**: [Q311145](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311145)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machado_de_Assis)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/machado-de-assis

## Summary

Machado de Assis was born on June 21, 1839, in Rio de Janeiro and died on September 29, 1908, in the same city [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. He held Brazilian citizenship  and worked as a writer, linguist, poet, journalist, novelist, and translator [12]. He was married to Carolina Augusta Xavier de Novais [13].He received several honors, including being named a Knight of the Imperial Order of the Rose and later an Officer of the Imperial Order of the Rose, and was included in the Livro dos Heróis e Heroínas da Pátria [14]. He held seat 23 of the Academia Brasileira de Letras [15].

## Summary
Machado de Assis was a Brazilian writer (1839–1908) renowned for his contributions to literature, particularly through novels like *Dom Casmurro* and *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas*. His works are celebrated for their psychological depth and social commentary, shaping Brazilian literary tradition.

## Biography
- Born: June 21, 1839, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Education: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Faculty of Law
- Known for: Pioneering Brazilian literature with works like *Dom Casmurro* and *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas*
- Employer(s): Brazilian Academy of Letters, various journalism roles
- Field(s): Literature, journalism

## Contributions
Machado de Assis authored several influential works that defined Brazilian literature:
- *Dom Casmurro* (1899) – A novel exploring themes of guilt, morality, and social hypocrisy, considered a masterpiece of Brazilian literature.
- *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas* (1881) – A posthumous novel that delves into the psychological and social struggles of its protagonist.
- *O Alienista* (1882) – A novella that examines the complexities of human behavior and societal norms.
- *Quincas Borba* (1891) – A novel that critiques the social and political structures of Brazil, reflecting on themes of inequality and corruption.
- *Esaú e Jacó* (1875) – A novel that explores the relationship between two brothers, highlighting the consequences of ambition and betrayal.

His works have been translated into multiple languages and have had a profound impact on Brazilian culture and literature.

## FAQs
**What are some of Machado de Assis's most famous novels?**
Machado de Assis is best known for *Dom Casmurro*, *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas*, *O Alienista*, *Quincas Borba*, and *Esaú e Jacó*. These works are celebrated for their psychological depth and social commentary.

**Where did Machado de Assis study?**
He studied law at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Faculty of Law, although he became more renowned for his literary contributions than legal practice.

**What themes are prevalent in Machado de Assis's writing?**
His writing often explores themes of guilt, morality, social hypocrisy, psychological struggles, and the consequences of ambition and betrayal. His narratives are deeply rooted in the social and political dynamics of Brazil.

**Was Machado de Assis involved in politics or journalism?**
Yes, Machado de Assis was politically active and held various journalism roles. He was a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and contributed to literary and political discourse.

**What awards did Machado de Assis receive?**
He received the Prêmio Machado de Assis, which is awarded annually to outstanding Brazilian writers. His works have been recognized for their literary excellence and cultural impact.

## Why They Matter
Machado de Assis's literary contributions reshaped Brazilian storytelling by bringing regional narratives to the forefront. His works provided international audiences with insights into Brazilian life, influencing cultural perceptions and inspiring adaptations across media. His political activism and literary achievements made him a prominent figure in both cultural and social spheres.

## Notable For
- Writing *Dom Casmurro*, a masterpiece of Brazilian literature
- Receiving the Prêmio Machado de Assis, awarded annually to outstanding Brazilian writers
- Being a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters
- Creating culturally rich narratives rooted in Brazilian society
- Influencing Brazilian literature through vivid storytelling and social commentary

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Machado de Assis was born on June 21, 1839, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He pursued law at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Faculty of Law, but his passion for writing soon overshadowed his legal studies. His early exposure to social and political issues shaped his narrative focus on the lives of ordinary people.

### Career and Literary Works
Machado de Assis's career began with journalism, but he quickly transitioned to fiction. His debut novel, *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas* (1881), addressed the plight of street children and marked the beginning of his literary prominence. His subsequent novels, including:
- *Dom Casmurro* (1899)
- *O Alienista* (1882)
- *Quincas Borba* (1891)
- *Esaú e Jacó* (1875)

These works, among others, established him as a leading voice in Brazilian literature. His narratives often featured strong female characters and explored themes of guilt, morality, and social hypocrisy.

### Political Involvement and Recognition
Machado de Assis's political activism, particularly his association with liberal ideals, led to his involvement in various political movements. He was a member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters and held various political positions. His literary works were recognized with the Prêmio Machado de Assis, awarded annually to outstanding Brazilian writers.

### Influence and Legacy
Machado de Assis's influence extends beyond literature into media adaptations. His works have inspired films, plays, and television series, including adaptations of *Dom Casmurro*. His storytelling has left an indelible mark on Brazilian culture, making him a pivotal figure in Latin American literature.

### Personal Life and Death
Machado de Assis passed away on September 29, 1908, leaving behind a legacy of literary excellence and cultural impact. His works continue to be celebrated for their portrayal of Brazilian life and social dynamics.

Through his novels and activism, Machado de Assis remains a towering figure in Brazilian literature, whose works continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.

## References

1. Commons Creator page
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Única herdeira do grande amor de Machado de Assis conta histórias do casal](https://extra.globo.com/tv-e-lazer/unica-herdeira-do-grande-amor-de-machado-de-assis-conta-historias-do-casal-582277.html)
5. datos.bne.es
6. [Source](http://www.academia.org.br/academicos/machado-de-assis)
7. Library of the World's Best Literature
8. O livro no Brasil
9. [Source](https://www.academia.org.br/publicacoes/machado-de-assis)
10. [Source](https://www.grey.com/pt-br/work-detail/the-real-machado-de-assis)
11. Vimeo
12. [Source](https://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/pensar/2020/06/26/interna_pensar,1159969/conheca-o-verdadeiro-machado-de-assis-negro-e-critico-da-escravidao.shtml)
13. [Source](https://www.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/cidade/secretarias/cultura/imprensa/?p=950)
14. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/portuguese/brasil-42033622)
15. [Source](https://www.gov.br/palmares/pt-br/departamentos/fomento-a-cultura/personalidades-notaveis-negras-1)
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. Open Library
18. Virtual International Authority File
19. CiNii Research
20. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
21. SNAC
22. Enciclopédia Itaú Cultural
23. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
24. BD Gest'
25. Discogs
26. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
27. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
28. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
29. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index1.html)
30. CONOR.SI
31. Goodreads
32. Machado de Assis - Dicionário Cravo Albin. Dicionário Cravo Albin da Música Popular Brasileira
33. LIBRIS. 2012
34. authority file of the National Library of Uruguay