Author: Franchetti, Paulo

Source: Portuguese Studies, Volume 24, Number 1, 15 March 2008 , pp. 56-66(11)

Publisher: Modern Humanities Research Association

Abstract:

Drawing on the writings of leading participants such as João Cabral de Melo Neto, this article examines the emergence of Concrete Poetry in post-war Brazil. Although literacy was then rapidly increasing, the status of poetry was challenged by the new media, such as film, that drew mass audiences. Responding to this challenge, Concrete Poetry did not retreat into a Classical revival, but aimed at a style of verse rooted in the realities of modern technology, and capable of being popular. It thus claimed to be true not only to its time, but also to its literary heritage — a heritage that was in fact validated rather than betrayed by its modernity.

Portuguese
Aproveitando-se de textos dos seus praticantes mais marcantes, tais como João Cabral de Melo Neto, este artigo examina o aparecimento da Poesia Concreta no Brasil do pós-guerra. Apesar de uma forte subida na taxa de alfabetismo, a situação da poesia foi posta em causa pelas novas formas de comunicação, exemplificadas pelo cinema, que chegavam a uma audiência de massa. Respondendo ao desafio, a Poesia Concreta não optou por uma ressurgência clássica, mas antes esboçou um estilo de poesia radicado nas realidades da tecnologia moderna, com capacidade de captar as massas. Garantiu assim ser fiel não só ao seu próprio tempo mas à sua herança artística também — herança esta que ficava, de facto, mais valorizada que traída pela modernidade dela.

Keywords: Concrete poetry; Brazil; Mass Media; Poesia Concreta; Brasil; Comunicação de Massa

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Campinas State University (UNICAMP)

Publication date: 2008-03-15

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• The only English-language journal devoted to the literature, culture, and history of Portugal, Brazil, and the Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa. Launched in 1985, it received the 'Best New Journal Award' of the Conference of Editors of Learned Journals in 1987. It publishes articles, translations, previously unpublished historical and literary texts, bibliographical information, and a survey of research and reviews.

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