Remate de Males

Remate de Males, published in 1930, represents Mário de Andrade's third poetry collection and marks a significant phase in Brazilian modernist literature. The work contains poems written between 1924 and 1929. The collection features both free verse and traditional forms, demonstrating Andrade's range as a poet during Brazil's modernist movement. The poems address themes of national identity, urban life in São Paulo, and personal experiences. The book is structured in multiple sections, with each part exploring different aspects of Brazilian culture and society in the early 20th century. Andrade incorporates elements of Brazilian folk traditions and colloquial language throughout the collection. The work stands as a representation of the tension between tradition and modernity in Brazilian literature, while examining questions of artistic creation and cultural authenticity. Through its verses, the collection captures the complexities of Brazil's modernization process and its impact on individual and collective identity.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Mário de Andrade's overall work: Readers connect strongly with Andrade's blending of folklore and modernist techniques, though some find his experimental style challenging to follow. His novel Macunaíma receives attention for its unique narrative structure and cultural commentary. What readers liked: - Creative incorporation of Brazilian myths and legends - Rich cultural details and documentation of Brazilian traditions - Complex characters that reflect national identity - Innovative language use and storytelling techniques What readers disliked: - Dense, sometimes difficult prose - Unconventional narrative structure requires multiple readings - Cultural references can be hard for non-Brazilian readers to grasp - Some translations lose linguistic nuances Ratings: Goodreads: Macunaíma averages 3.9/5 stars from 8,000+ ratings Amazon BR: 4.5/5 stars across his works Skoob (Brazilian platform): 4.2/5 stars average One reader noted: "The way he weaves mythology into modern narrative is remarkable." Another commented: "Takes work to understand but rewards careful reading." Common criticism includes: "Too experimental at times, loses coherence."

Macunaíma by Mário de Andrade This Brazilian modernist novel follows a shapeshifting protagonist through mythological adventures that blend folklore and cultural identity.

Memories of Lazarus by Adonias Filho A tale set in rural Brazil explores the intersection of mysticism, family bonds, and regional traditions.

The Devil to Pay in the Backlands by João Guimarães Rosa The narrative weaves Brazilian backlands culture with metaphysical questions through a jagunço's life story.

Seraphim Grosse Pointe by Oswald de Andrade This experimental novel combines elements of Brazilian culture with modernist techniques to create a narrative mosaic.

Cobra Norato by Raul Bopp The poem-narrative incorporates Amazonian myths and indigenous folklore into a modernist exploration of Brazilian identity.

🌿 Despite being one of Mário de Andrade's most important poetry collections, "Remate de Males" (1930) was written during a period of personal crisis and deep reflection for the author. 🎭 The title "Remate de Males" is a play on words that can be interpreted as both "auction of evils" and "cure for evils," highlighting Andrade's masterful use of linguistic ambiguity. 📚 The collection marks a significant shift in Andrade's poetic style, moving away from his earlier modernist experimentation toward more introspective and metaphysical themes. 🎨 The book includes the famous poem "Eu Sou Trezentos" ("I Am Three Hundred"), which explores the concept of multiple identities—a theme that became central to Brazilian modernist literature. 🌎 The work incorporates elements of Brazilian folklore and indigenous culture, reflecting Andrade's lifelong mission to document and celebrate Brazil's diverse cultural heritage as both a poet and ethnomusicologist.