Podcasts




The figure of the rogue in Brazilian literature

Duration: 0:05:43.724988

Hello everyone! I am your literature teacher, and today's class will explore the fascinating figure of the "Malandro" in Brazilian literature. This character is quite recurrent, particularly in the 19th-century literary transition from Romanticism to Realism, illustrated by the novel "Memórias de um Sargento de Milícias," featuring the character Leonardinho. Leonardinho is a "picaresco" character known for his cunning and adventurous spirit, often finding himself in difficult situations but ultimately redeeming himself. Next, we examine Rita Baiana from "O Cortiço," who embodies the "Malandra" archetype as an independent and seductive woman who enjoys life and dance, captivating those around her. Moving into Modernism, we find Macunaíma by Mário de Andrade, a character with diverse identities who embodies laziness but delights in playful adventures around Rio de Janeiro. We also encounter Lalino Salatiel in Guimarães Rosa's "A Volta do Marido Pródigo," who is a quintessential "Malandro" who avoids work for leisure and romance, eventually returning home to rekindle his marriage. In Jorge Amado's "Dona Flor e Seus Dois Maridos," the charming Vadinho is another memorable "Malandro" who depicts the complexities of love and life, even after his untimely death, as his spirit continues to seduce his wife. Finally, we delve into Chico Buarque's "Ópera do Malandro," which presents classic figures of Rio's Lapa neighborhood, showcasing themes of prostitution, cunning, and daily life in the 1940s. This rich portrayal of "malandragem" in literature reveals captivating characters that reflect the complexities of human nature. I hope you enjoyed our lesson! Don’t forget to like, share, and follow us on social media. Feel free to leave any comments, and see you next time!


Single Page #4 - The Mule

Duration: 0:08:13.052517

The podcast series "Literature and Critical Thinking in Brazil," led by Alexandre Pilati, a professor at the University of Brasília, focuses on discussions of Brazilian literature and its relation to national formation. In its first season, the series features the analysis of works by renowned authors such as Machado de Assis, Darcy Ribeiro, and Chico Buarque. Supported by the university and the Federal District Research Support Foundation, the project includes recorded classes and readings with accompanying commentary on selected excerpts. The criteria for selecting these excerpts aim to address essential questions pertinent to the works discussed and to encourage listeners to read the complete texts. In the fourth episode titled "Páginas Avulsas," the focus is on a significant passage from Ribeiro’s novel "Omulu." The narrator, Filogonio de Castro Maia, reflects on his life and sins during a confession to a priest who is set to inherit his lands. This excerpt captures the narrator's intense personality and offers insights into the Brazilian social structure, particularly regarding those in power. The episode highlights Ribeiro’s skill in crafting a complex character, prompting listeners to consider the dynamics of societal formation in Brazil. Throughout the podcast, listeners are encouraged to engage with the literature and reflect on its relevance to contemporary Brazilian society. Pilati emphasizes the importance of understanding how literature can reveal insights about the country's history and social fabric. The series aims to foster deeper literacy and critical thought about Brazilian literature and its connection to national identity.


Loose Pages #2 - Memorial of Aires

Duration: 0:09:24.477097

This series of podcasts brings together readings and discussions related to the extension project "Literature and Critical Thinking in Brazil," led by Alexandre Pilati, a professor at the Institute of Letters at the University of Brasília (UnB). The project's goal is to explore Brazilian literature and its connection to national formation. In the first season, the selected works include "Esaú e Jacó" by Machado de Assis, "Maíra" and "Omulu" by Darcy Ribeiro, and "Leite Derramado" and "Essa Gente" by Chico Buarque. Supported by the UnB's Deanery of Extension and the DF Research Support Foundation (PDF), the project includes recorded classes where listeners can hear excerpts from the books and commentaries on the critics and theories discussed. The chosen excerpts aim to highlight essential issues present in the works, stimulating readers to engage with the complete texts and reflect on their dynamic relationship with Brazil’s national formation. In the second episode, significant excerpts from "The Diary of Counselor Aires," dated May 14 and July 5, 1881, are examined. The narrator presents critical reflections on social relations underlying the narrative of "Memorial de Aires." Notable passages include an ironic statement about elite pleasure versus public joy in the context of Brazil's abolition of slavery, and insights into the secretive connections between poker, a game learned from the U.S., and social behaviors within Brazilian society. The podcast encourages deeper engagement with literature and its historical contexts, underscoring how these literary works resonate with Brazil's social realities. The audience is invited to continue reading and reflecting on these themes.


Loose Pages #6 - These People

Duration: 0:07:34.948571

This series of podcasts compiles readings and commentary related to the extension project "Literature and Critical Thought in Brazil," led by Alexandre Pilati, a professor at the University of Brasília's Institute of Literature. The project's aim is to discuss works of Brazilian literature and their connection to the national formation process. In the first season, the selected readings include "Esaú and Jacó" by Machado de Assis, "Maíra" and "Omulu" by Darcy Ribeiro, as well as "Leite Derramado" and "Essa Gente" by Chico Buarque. Supported by the University of Brasília's Dean's Office of Extension and the Foundation for Research Support of the Federal District, the project offers not only recorded classes but also excerpts from the works and comments on critics and theorists engaging with the readings. The chosen texts focus on essential issues relevant to the literature explored. In the final segment, listeners examine a passage from "Essa Gente" on March 24, 2019, where the protagonist, the decaying writer Duarte, visits Agenor and Rebeca's home in Morro do Vidigal. The initially idyllic scene, evoking the iconic song "Manhã de Carnaval," turns comic and terrible, reflecting the challenges of reconstructing a Brazil filled with untapped promises. This moment underscores a critical assessment of contemporary Brazil with Buarque's masterful narrative style. The podcast concludes the first season, having discussed excerpts from works by Machado de Assis, Darcy Ribeiro, and Chico Buarque. Looking ahead, the next season will continue exploring literature and the process of national formation in Brazil.


Asian Literature on the Rise at the São Paulo Biennial

Duration: 0:02:35.883492

In a recent edition of "Literatura com Luana Bernardes" the spotlight is on the rising popularity of Asian literature in Brazil, highlighted by the recent Bienal de São Paulo. The pavilion of the Record publishing group at the fair was inspired by the cover of the book "Meus Dias na Livraria Amor" by Japanese author Satoshi EAG Salvar, published by Bertrand Brasil. This story follows a young man named Takako who, after losing everything, finds solace in a bookstore. Another notable title is "Bem-vindos à Livraria" by South Korean author Huang Bo Hyun, published by Editora Intrínseca, which explores the transformative impact of a bookstore on people's lives. Additionally, the Asian literature segment at the Bienal included a successful book, "Receitar um Gato," which offers therapeutic insights through the journey of five people seeing a psychiatrist, published by Rocco. South Korean author Wang Yi’s works also gained traction, including "Amêndoas," about a boy who struggles to identify and express emotions, and "O Impulso de Champion," which tells the story of a character obsessed with improving his posture. The Bienal de São Paulo has concluded, with the next book fair scheduled for Rio de Janeiro from June 13 to 22. Luana Bernardes encourages readers to follow her column and connect on social media for more literary insights.


Loose Pages #1 - Esau and Jacob

Duration: 0:06:47.904943

This podcast series brings together readings and discussions related to the extension project "Literature and Critical Thought in Brazil," led by Alexandre Pilati, a professor at the Institute of Letters at the University of Brasília (UnB). The aim of the project is to discuss Brazilian literary works and their connection to the national formation process. In this first season, the selected readings include "Esaú e Jacó" by Machado de Assis, "Maíra" and "Omulu" by Darcy Ribeiro, and "Leite Derramado" and "Essa Gente" by Chico Buarque. Supported by the Dean's Office of Extension at UnB and the Research Support Foundation of the Federal District (FAPDF), the project features recorded classes and segments from the works, along with comments on relevant critics and theorists. The goal is to encourage audiences to read the entire works and reflect on how these texts are dynamically connected to Brazil's national formation processes. In the podcast, listeners will explore Chapter 79 of "Esaú e Jacó," focusing on the character Flora's hallucinations and her struggles in understanding the rivalry of the twin brothers, Pedro and Paulo. The chapter, entitled "Fusão de Fusão Confusão," delves into Flora's extraordinary experiences and the blurring of distinctions between the twins’ identities. The podcast concludes with an invitation to continue exploring literature and reflecting on Brazilian reality.


In Search of One's Own Thing - A Biography of Clarice Lispector

Duration: 0:13:05.110204

"Literatura com Luana Bernardes" discusses a new biography of Clarice Lispector titled "À Procura da Própria Coisa," written by Teresa Monteiro, a leading expert on Lispector's work. Published by Rocco, the biography includes previously unpublished material such as photos, interviews, and fresh insights into Lispector's life. Monteiro emphasizes the unique aspects of this biography, which reveals details drawn from Lispector's telephone directory, helping to reconstruct her daily life in the neighborhood of Nélio. This section allows readers to see Lispector’s connections with family, friends, and various professions she interacted with. The biography is divided into four parts: 1. The first part outlines Lispector's life as a writer and her personal tastes—like her favorite foods, music, and theater. 2. The second part delves into her literary life and family background, including genealogical aspects. 3. The third part explores new discoveries about Lispector's interactions and writings, as well as significant historical contexts. 4. The final part serves as a guide to Lispector's childhood haunts in Recife and Maceió, inviting readers to trace her footsteps and consider her legacy in contemporary society. Monteiro’s extensive research spans over 30 years, blending Lispector's private life with broader historical narratives, thus providing a richer understanding of both the author and her work. The biography not only tells the story of Lispector’s life but also captures the historical context of her era, highlighting how personal experiences influenced her literary contributions.


Loose Pages #5 - Spilled Milk

Duration: 0:06:54.685170

This series of podcasts, led by professor Alexandre Pilati from the Institute of Letters at the University of Brasília, focuses on readings and discussions related to the extension project "Literature and Critical Thought in Brazil." The aim of the project is to examine Brazilian literary works in connection with the country's national formation process. In the first season, the podcasts will explore Machado de Assis's "Esaú e Jacó," Darcy Ribeiro's "Maíra and Omulu," and Chico Buarque's "Leite Derramado" and "Essa Gente." Supported by the University of Brasília's Dean of Extension and the Foundation for Research Support of the Federal District (FAPDF), the podcasts feature not only recorded lessons but also excerpts from the texts and commentary on relevant literary criticism and theory. Selection criteria for the excerpts focus on their ability to illuminate key issues related to the discussed works. The aim is to promote comprehensive reading and understand how these texts relate to Brazil's dynamic national formation. In one episode, a passage from Chapter 16 of "Leite Derramado" by Chico Buarque is read, where the narrator Eulálio Montenegro da Assunção reflects on time and space through the lens of a family heirloom—a whip. This passage critiques familial power dynamics and the intertwined nature of violence within societal relationships. The podcast series seeks to stimulate literary discussion and reflection on Brazilian realities, encouraging deeper engagement with literature.