Carlos Drummond de Andrade Criticism
Carlos Drummond de Andrade (1902-1987) stands as a monumental figure in Latin American literature, renowned for his role in advancing Brazilian poetry into the modernist movement. Born in Itabira, Brazil, Drummond was at the forefront of cultural activity, actively shaping literary discourse through his involvement in founding A Revista, which supported Brazilian modernism. His journey in poetry began during the transformative period of the 1920s with the Semana de Arte Moderna, a pivotal event that redefined Brazilian artistic expression. His first poetry collection, Alguma poesia (1930), marked a shift from conventional forms, embracing a modernist approach and establishing Drummond as a major literary voice.
Drummond's poetry is a blend of personal reflection and social critique, capturing the essence of his time. Works like A rosa do povo (1945) illustrate his socialist inclinations, while his later Boitempo trilogy reflects a personal introspection. His contributions, although historically underrecognized in North America due to language barriers, have been increasingly acknowledged for their ironic style and the seamless weaving of personal and societal narratives. As explored in Carlos Drummond de Andrade and the Heritage of Modernismo, his works are celebrated for their lack of sentimentality and mastery of form, offering a profound commentary on universal human experiences.
Critics such as John Nist and publications like World Literature Today have highlighted Drummond's innovative use of irony, repetition, and colloquial language. This style critiques a dehumanized world while blending scholarly and vulgar elements to address contemporary social issues. This dual approach in his poetry has influenced subsequent generations of writers, as noted by John Nist and further explored by John Nist in their analyses of his work.
Drummond's poetry also wrestles with themes of love, memory, and the reconciliation of individual and societal values. His ability to translate personal confessions into a universal and liberating force is a testament to his enduring impact, as discussed in The Confessional Mode as a Liberating Force in the Poetics of Carlos Drummond de Andrade. This exploration of personal and universal themes has secured his status as a significant figure in world literature, as noted by The Amorous Theme in the Poetry of Carlos Drummond de Andrade.
Moreover, Drummond's work is deeply connected to Brazilian identity, reflecting themes of modernism, political engagement, and introspection, resulting in a cohesive literary vision. His poetry's capacity to reflect on and critique the world around him, while remaining poignant and accessible, underscores his lasting influence and literary significance. Insights into these elements can be further pursued through critical examinations by The Exile at Home and Measuring the Mess, along with interpretations by Virginia de Araújo and Joaquim-Francisco Coelho and Wilson Martins.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Andrade, Carlos Drummond de
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Conscience of Brazil: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
(summary)
In the following essay, John Nist analyzes the poetry of Carlos Drummond de Andrade, highlighting his themes of language inadequacy, personal isolation, societal injustice, and love's futility, while emphasizing Drummond's use of irony, repetition, and a colloquial style to convey a critique of a dehumanized world.
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Contemporary Brazilian Poetry
(summary)
In the following essay, John Nist argues that Carlos Drummond de Andrade is a pivotal figure in Brazilian poetry, celebrated for his blend of scholarly and vulgar elements, his engagement with social issues, and his influence on younger writers, while emphasizing the importance of artistic dedication over mere self-expression.
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Drummond de Andrade: An Introduction
(summary)
In the following essay, Virginia de Araújo and Joaquim-Francisco Coelho analyze Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poetry, emphasizing his struggle to reconcile individual values with societal norms, his attempt to balance modernist free verse with traditional form, and his exploration of love and memory as central poetic themes.
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Carlos Drummond de Andrade and the Heritage of Modernismo
(summary)
In the following essay, Wilson Martins analyzes Carlos Drummond de Andrade's poetry as deeply entwined with Brazilian identity, exploring themes of modernism, political engagement, and personal introspection, and argues that Drummond's work, marked by irony and melancholy, consistently integrates his evolving artistic and ideological phases into a unified literary vision.
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Conscience of Brazil: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
(summary)
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Drummond de Andrade, Carlos
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Carlos Drummond de Andrade and the Heritage of Modernismo
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In the following essay, Martins explains Drummond's vision of modernism and notes the popular and critical attention the poet has received.
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Measuring the Mess
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In the following review, Merquior places A Paixão Medida in the context of Drummond's earlier work and discusses the poet's use of a particular metrical form.
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The Amorous Theme in the Poetry of Carlos Drummond de Andrade
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In the following essay, Pontiero discusses the ways in which Drummond's poetry deals with the theme of human love and points out the evolution of the poet's techniques and styles.
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Translations
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In the following review, Müller-Bergh gives a favorable evaluation of a German translation of Drummond's poetry.
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The Exile at Home
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In the following review of Nova Reunião, Gledson acknowledges the difficulty of classifying the poet's work into simple categories and discusses the relative lack of familiarity with Drummond in North America.
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The Confessional Mode as a Liberating Force in the Poetics of Carlos Drummond de Andrade
(summary)
In the following essay, Di Antonio contends that Drummond reveals his private thoughts often in his poetry, thus engaging the reader in an existential way.
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Unpredictable Passions
(summary)
In the following review of two books by Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa and Drummond's Travelling in the Family, Rosenthal notes Drummond's sense of irony, contemplative nature, and colorful use of poetic language.
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Elizabeth Bishop and Carlos Drummond de Andrade: ‘Opening of Tin Trunks and Violent Memories.’
(summary)
In the following essay, Martins compares the themes of childhood and family in the work of Drummond and American poet Elizabeth Bishop, a well-respected translator of Drummond's work.
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Carlos Drummond de Andrade and the Heritage of Modernismo
(summary)
- Further Reading