José Saramago's literary oeuvre reflects the profound influence of his upbringing under the oppressive Salazar regime. This backdrop of political repression pervades his narratives, imbuing them with a sense of resistance and introspection. His novels often explore the depths of human consciousness, peeling back the layers of his characters' inner lives, such as those of Ricardo Reis and Senhor José, to reveal a rich tapestry of thoughts and emotions that starkly contrast with their external realities. These figures, existing within dehumanizing environments, showcase a remarkable resilience and capacity for introspection, offering a glimmer of hope amidst otherwise bleak circumstances.

Saramago’s distinctive writing style, characterized by its innovative use of symbols, allegory, and elements of fantasy and the supernatural, further enriches his storytelling. These literary devices allow him to craft narratives that transcend the ordinary, weaving complex themes and exploring the human condition in a way that is both profound and thought-provoking.

His novels, such as Blindness, The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis, and All the Names, present "crisis worlds"—societies on the brink of ruin. These worlds are often depicted as being dismantled by a combination of neglect, existential crises, and societal breakdown. Such settings serve as a backdrop for exploring human resilience and the ability to find meaning amidst chaos.

Furthermore, the theme of overlapping worlds of the dead and the living in All the Names and The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis provides a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time. This thematic exploration highlights Saramago’s fascination with existential questions and the interconnectedness of human experiences.

In his works like Blindness and All the Names, Saramago often eschews the use of specific character names, opting instead for generalized identifiers. This stylistic choice underlines the universality of his characters and their experiences, allowing readers to project their own understandings and emotions onto the narrative, thereby creating a more immersive and reflective reading experience.