BRAZIL AT A GLANC

BRAZIL CULTURE AND

TRADITIONS
Famous for its rainforests, beaches, and lively city life
in Rio De Janeiro and Brasilia, Brazilian society
includes people of indigenous, Portuguese, European,
and African ancestries. Brazil is home to Carnaval, a
world-famous celebration, as well as neighborhood
festivals, street parades, and a music scene unlike
anywhere else in the world. Brazilian culture delights
the senses, from the sounds of the Samba, Brazil’s
most popular dance, or other kinds of dance music like
Pagode (similar to Samba), Axé (soul music), and Bossa
Nova (a mix of Brazilian pop music and jazz), the scent
of delicious street foods like grilled meat and fried
pastries.

Official Language
Spanish is the official language of Argentina & Uruguay,
and many people also speak English, Italian, German,
French, or Portuguese.

Family dynamic
Brazilian families tend to be tight-knit, warm, and
loving. They generally enjoy each other’s company and
prefer spending time together than privately. In
Brazilian culture, men are usually allowed more
freedom than women. Brazilian girls have less freedom
than girls from most European and North American
countries. In general, Brazilian boys and girls are raised
under some traditional gender distinctions. While in
urban areas of Brazil, men and women are more likely
to share the same decision making in families, in rural
areas, Brazilian society is generally patriarchal.

MACHADO DE ASSIS
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, (born June
21, 1839, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—died September 29,
1908, Rio de Janeiro), Brazilian poet, novelist, and
short-story writer, a classic master of Brazilian
literature, whose art is rooted in the traditions of
European culture and transcends the influence of
Brazilian literary schools.
The son of a house painter of mixed black and
Portuguese ancestry, he was raised, after his mother’s
death, by a stepmother, also of mixed parentage. Sickly,
epileptic, unprepossessing in appearance, and a
stutterer, he found employment at the age of 17 as a
printer’s apprentice and began to write in his spare
time. Soon he was publishing stories, poems, and novels
in the Romantic tradition.

By 1869 Machado was a typically successful Brazilian

man of letters, comfortably provided for by a
government position and happily married to a cultured
woman, Carolina Augusta Xavier de Novais. In that year
illness forced him to withdraw from his active career. He
emerged from this temporary retreat with a new novel
in a strikingly original style that marked a clear break
with the literary conventions of the day. This was
Memórias póstumas de Brás Cubas (1881; “The
Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas”; Epitaph of a
Small Winner, 1952), an eccentric first-person narrative
with a flow of free association and digression. The
“small winner,” Brás Cubas, cynically reviews his life in
160 short, often disconnected chapters.
Machado’s reputation of being among the greatest of
Brazilian writers rests on this work, his short stories, and
two later novels—Quincas borba (1891; Philosopher or
Dog?, 1954) and his masterpiece, Dom Casmurro (1899;
Eng. trans., 1953), a haunting and terrible journey into a
mind warped by jealousy. Translations into English of his
shorter fiction included The Devil’s Church, and Other
Stories (1977), The Psychiatrist, and Other Stories
(1963), A Chapter of Hats: Selected Stories (2008), and
The Collected Stories of Machado de Assis (2018).

Urbane, aristocratic, cosmopolitan, aloof, and cynical,

Machado used an indirect style in his fiction that could
confound later scholars and critics attempting to
determine his level of social engagement. One
generation of critics might argue that he ignored such
social questions as Brazilian independence and the
abolition of slavery; a subsequent generation could find
evidence of the opposite. His worldview tempered what
might be called a “typical” contemporary Brazilian
enthusiasm for local colour and self-conscious
nationalism, but the locale of his fiction is usually a
keenly observed Rio, which he took for granted as
though there were no other place. The natural world is
practically nonexistent in his work. His writing shows a
deep-rooted pessimism and disillusionment that would
be unbearable were it not disguised by flippancy and
wit.
In 1896 Machado became the first president of the
Brazilian Academy of Letters, and he held the office
until his death.
Dom Casmurro is an 1899 novel written by Brazilian
author Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis. Like The
Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas and Quincas
Borba, both by Machado de Assis, it is widely regarded
as a masterpiece of realist literature. It is written as a
fictional memoir by a distrusting, jealous husband. The
narrator, however, is not a reliable conveyor of the
story as it is a dark comedy. Dom Casmurro is
considered by critic Afranio Coutinho "a true Brazilian
masterpiece, and maybe Brazil's greatest
representative piece of writing" and "one of the best
books ever written in the Portuguese language, if not
the best one to date." The author is considered a
master of Brazilian literature with a unique style of
realism

QUICAS BORBAS
Quincas Borba is a novel written by the Brazilian writer
Machado de Assis. It was first published in 1891. It is also
known in English as Philosopher or Dog? The novel was
principally written as a serial in the journal A Estação
from 1886 to 1891. It was definitively published as a book
in 1892 with some small but significant changes from the
serialized version.

Following The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas (1881)

and preceding Dom Casmurro (1899), this book is
considered by modern critics to be the second of
Machado de Assis's realist trilogy, in which the author
was concerned with using pessimism and irony to
criticize the customs and philosophy of his time, in the
process parodying scientism, Social darwinism, and
Comte's positivism, although he did not remove all
Romantic elements from the plot.
In contrast to the earlier novel of the trilogy, Quincas
Borba was written in third person, telling the story of
Rubião, a naive young man who becomes a disciple and
later the heir of the titular philosopher Quincas Borba, a
character in the earlier novel. While living according to
the fictional "Humanitist" philosophy of Quincas Borba,
Rubião befriends and is fooled by the greedy Christiano
and his wife Sofia who manage to take him for his entire
inheritance.

James Baldwin
James Baldwin was an American writer, essayist,
playwright, and social critic, born on August 2, 1924, in
Harlem, New York City. He was one of the most
influential and insightful writers of the 20th century,
addressing issues of race, sexuality, and societal norms
in his works.
Key points about James Baldwin's background include:
Early Life and Education:

Baldwin was born to a poor family and grew up in

Harlem during a time of significant racial
segregation and discrimination.
His stepfather, David Baldwin, was a Baptist
minister, and Baldwin was the oldest of nine
 children.
Religious Background:

Baldwin began preaching at the age of 14, following

in his stepfather's footsteps.
However, he later became disillusioned with the
strict doctrines of his church and moved away from
organized religion.
Literary Career:

Baldwin's literary career began with essays and

short stories in the 1940s. His first novel, "Go Tell It
on the Mountain," was published in 1953 and drew
heavily from his own experiences.
Civil Rights Movement:
Baldwin was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights
Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
He became friends with notable figures such as
Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Medgar
Evers. His essays often addressed the racial and
social issues of the time.
Expatriate Years:

Frustrated with the racial tensions in the United

States, Baldwin spent much of his life living abroad,
particularly in France and Turkey.

Notable Works:
 In addition to "Go Tell It on the Mountain," Baldwin
wrote several other influential works, including
"Notes of a Native Son," "The Fire Next Time," and
"Another Country."
His writings explored themes of race, identity, and
the complexities of human relationships.
Sexuality and Identity:
Baldwin was openly gay, and his works often
addressed issues of sexuality and the challenges
faced by individuals who were marginalized due to
both their race and sexual orientation.

Later Years and Legacy:

Baldwin continued to write and speak on social
issues throughout his life.
He passed away on December 1, 1987, in Saint-Paul-
de-Vence, France.
Baldwin's writings continue to be studied and
celebrated for their insight into the human
condition and their relevance to ongoing
discussions about race and identity.

James Baldwin's legacy extends beyond literature; he is

remembered as a powerful voice for civil rights, human
rights, and social justice. His works remain influential in
discussions on race, identity, and equality.

Juan Rulfo
Juan Rulfo was a Mexican writer and photographer, best
known for his influential works in the realm of Latin
American literature. Here's an overview of his
background:

Birth and Early Life:

Juan Nepomuceno Carlos Pérez Rulfo Vizcaíno was
born on May 16, 1917, in Sayula, Jalisco, Mexico.
He grew up in a rural environment, experiencing the
landscapes and traditions of rural Mexico that
would later influence his writing.

Early Tragedies:
Rulfo's early life was marked by tragedy. His father
died when he was six, and his mother passed away
when he was a teenager. These losses had a
profound impact on his worldview and found
reflection in his literary works.

Educational Background:
Rulfo attended various schools and studied at the
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM),
where he studied law and literature. However, he
did not complete his degree.
Mexican Revolution:

Rulfo's childhood and adolescence coincided with

the turbulent period of the Mexican Revolution
(1910-1920). The impact of this historical context
 can be seen in his writing, which often explores the
harsh realities of rural life and the consequences of
social upheaval.
Literary Career:
Juan Rulfo is celebrated for his sparse but
impactful literary output. His most famous work is
the novel "Pedro Páramo," published in 1955. The
novel is a key work in the Latin American literary
movement known as the "Boom."
"Pedro Páramo" is considered a masterpiece of
Mexican literature and a significant contribution to
the genre of magical realism.
Influence on Latin American Literature:
Rulfo's unique narrative style and his exploration of
the supernatural within a realist framework had a
profound influence on subsequent generations of
Latin American writers, including Gabriel García
Márquez and Julio Cortázar.
Photography:
In addition to his literary pursuits, Rulfo was also a
talented photographer. His photographic work
documented the landscapes and people of rural
Mexico.

Later Years:
 Following the success of "Pedro Páramo," Rulfo did
not publish another novel. He focused on other
pursuits, including photography and occasional
essays.
Juan Rulfo died on January 7, 1986, in Mexico City,
leaving behind a relatively small but highly
regarded body of work.
Juan Rulfo's impact on Latin American literature,
particularly his contribution to the development of
magical realism, continues to be acknowledged and
studied. His ability to capture the essence of rural
Mexico and explore the complexities of human
existence has earned him a lasting place in the literary
canon.

Diles Que No Me Maten

"Diles que no maten" is a short story by Juan Rulfo that
vividly portrays the human cost of violence and the
complexities of justice in a rural Mexican setting. The
title translates to "Tell Them Not to Kill," encapsulating
the central plea for mercy and compassion.

The story is set against the backdrop of the Mexican

Revolution, a tumultuous period marked by social
upheaval and political unrest. The narrative follows
Tanilo, a prisoner facing imminent execution at the
hands of a group of soldiers. Tanilo engages in a
conversation with Toñito, one of the soldiers, as he
attempts to convey a desperate message to his
godfather, Don Justo, pleading for clemency.

MEXICO CULTURE AND

TRADITIONS

Mexico’s culture is rich, colourful and vibrant,

influenced by its ancient civilisations such as the Aztec
and Maya as well as European colonisation. Mexico is
unique and probably one of the most fascinating
cultures in the world.

The traditions and customs of the Mexican people are

varied and diverse. They are proud of their native
heritage and each region has its own cultural practices
and celebrations. Many of the ancient traditions of their
ancestors have been preserved making it a fascinting
destination to explore There are several indigenous
groups within Mexico including the Nahuas, Otomis,
Mayas, Zapotecs, Tzeltales and Tzotziles. These have all
influenced the Mexican culture in terms of cuisine,
medicine, rituals and language.
 NEW YORK CULTURE AND
TRADITIONS
New York City is a melting pot of cultures and traditions,
reflecting the diversity of its population. The city's rich
history and vibrant communities contribute to a unique
cultural tapestry. Here are some key aspects of New
York City's culture and traditions
New York City is one of the most ethnically diverse
cities in the world. People from various cultural
backgrounds and countries live and work in the city,
contributing to a rich tapestry of languages, traditions,
and cuisines.Broadway, located in the Theater District,
is renowned for its world-class theatrical productions.
The city is also a hub for visual arts, with numerous
museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Guggenheim
Museum.New York City is a food lover's paradise with a
wide range of culinary options. From iconic New York-
style pizza and bagels to diverse international cuisines
found in neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and
Harlem, the city's food scene reflects its cultural
diversity.Numerous festivals and parades take place
throughout the year, celebrating various cultural and
ethnic traditions. The West Indian American Day
Carnival, the Chinese New Year Parade, and the St.
Patrick's Day Parade are just a few examples.