Machado De Assis

Introduction:
Machado de Assis was a Brazilian novelist who is known for his significant contribution to Brazilian literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a career spanning over five decades, he created notable works that are still relevant and celebrated by readers and scholars alike. He is considered one of the most important literary figures in Brazil.

Basic Information and Background:
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis was born on June 21, 1839, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His parents, Francisco de Assis and Maria da Costa Machado, were both of mixed-race ancestry. Due to being born into a poor family, Machado had limited access to educational opportunities. He eventually taught himself to read and write by the age of five.

Career and Important Events in Life:
Machado de Assis began his career in journalism at the age of 16, working as a typesetter for the Diário do Rio de Janeiro newspaper. In 1860, he joined the Brazilian Imperial Academy of Letters, where he contributed to their literary publication Revista Brasileira. In 1869, he married Carolina Augusta Xavier de Novais, a Portuguese woman who was a source of emotional stability and support throughout his life.

Machado de Assis's literary career took off with the publication of his debut poetry collection, "Crisálidas," in 1864. He went on to write several novels, including "Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas" (1881) and "Dom Casmurro" (1899). He was known for his unique storytelling style, which often employed irony and derision. In 1897, he published "Quincas Borba," which explored themes of madness, power, and morality. Machado de Assis was also a founding member of the Brazilian Academy of Letters in 1896.

Personality and Motivation:
Machado de Assis was known for his introverted and reserved personality. Despite facing racism and discrimination due to his mixed-race heritage, he remained resilient in his pursuit of success. He was motivated by a desire to challenge and subvert the societal norms of his time through his literary work.

Before Becoming Famous:
Machado de Assis faced several challenges before becoming a renowned novelist. Growing up in a poor family meant that he had limited access to education, and he had to teach himself to read and write. Additionally, he faced prejudice due to his mixed-race heritage and experienced poverty and health issues throughout his life.

Family Life:
In late 1869, Machado de Assis married Carolina Augusta Xavier de Novais. They had no children, but their marriage was a stable, supportive relationship that lasted Machado's entire life.

Linked to Other People in the Industry:
Machado de Assis was close friends with several prominent literary figures, including José de Alencar and Joaquim Nabuco. He was also briefly a member of the Brazilian Conservative Party, which was associated with Brazilian literary figures such as Francisco Otaviano and Machado's mentor, José Bonifácio. Despite his friendships, Machado de Assis was known for his isolation and tendency to keep to himself.