THE Language of Arcadianism it is rational, classic, and unpretentious, that is, it adopts a simple vocabulary.
In opposition to the previous period, the Baroque, Arcadian writers propose the classical balance and clarity of ideas, thus denying the provocation, rebellion and doubt expressed in the language used by the artists baroque.
Another big difference between the language of Baroque and Arcadianism is that while in Baroque the use of figures of speech is recurrent (antithesis, hyperbole, paradox, etc.), in arcadism, the authors use little, thus approaching language denotative.
It is important to note that Arcadian writers prized the simplicity of language, expressed above all in the sonnets (literary fixed form much used by them) of decasyllable verses (ten syllables poetics).
In addition, they were called "Finging Poets" since they used pseudonyms (artistic names, for pastors sung in Greek or Latin poetry) in their works simulating poetic feelings as well as imitating the classics Renaissance.
Remember that Arcadism (also called 18th century or Neoclassicism), influenced by the Enlightenment, represented an artistic-literary movement that was in force in the 18th century in Brazil and in the world.
Remember that the French Enlightenment had three pillars that influenced the way Arcadian poets expressed themselves: nature, reason and truth.
The main characteristics of arcadism are: the return to the classic (Greek-Roman culture), the bucolicism, pastoralism, loving idealization and the choice of daily themes and those related to nature.
Arcadian Trends
Arcadian trends are related to concepts expressed in Latin:
- flee Urbem: Escape from the city, that is, expressed by a simple, bucolic and pastoral life in the countryside, to the detriment of an urban and materialist life.
- Locus amoenus: A pleasant and pleasant place, that is, a place to live that is far from urban centers, where peace reigns.
- Mediocrite aurea: Golden balance, that is, it expresses tranquility and peace, rich in spiritual aspects, which idealizes the simpler life in the countryside.
- Truncate uselessness: Cutting the useless and seeking balance, that is, it denotes the simplicity of the Arcadian language as opposed to the refined and cultured language of the Baroque.
- carpe diem: Enjoy the moment and life, that is, an express term to indicate the ephemeral nature of time.
Learn more about Arcadian Features.
In Brazil
O Arcadianism in Brazil begins in 1768 with the publication of “Poetic Works" in Cláudio Manuel da Costa.
Besides him, the Arcadian writers who stood out in the country were: Tomás Antônio Gonzaga, Silva Alvarenga, Alvarenga Peixoto, Basílio da Gama and Santa Rita Durão.
To better understand the language of Arcadism, follow below one of Cláudio Manuel da Costa's sonnets:
cruel nymph, that pouring now
You come to the liquid crystalline dew,
Don't confuse morning crying
With the gentle tears that Nise cries.
Do not wake up, rest, O beautiful Aurora,
That in the cradle in which I imagine you happy
Accompany you another pilgrim lover,
That Aurora happier to see you adore.
She, because the hell she sees ahead,
The face bathes in mournful lament,
Being force to leave Fábio lover.
What will I say about this ungrateful movement
Otherwise it was revenge, O wandering Nymph,
Of the envy that gave you its glow.
In Portugal
O Arcadianism in Portugal began in 1756 with the foundation of Arcadia Lusitana. Without a doubt, Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage was what stood out the most.
In addition to him, other Portuguese Arcadian authors that deserve mention are: António Dinis da Cruz e Silva, Correia Garção, Marquesa de Alorna and Francisco José Freire.
To better understand the language of Portuguese Arcadianism, below is a sonnet by Bocage:
Self Portrait
Thin, blue-eyed, brown-faced,
Well served by feet, half in height,
Sad in the face, the same as in the figure,
High nose in the middle, not small:
Unable to watch on one plot,
More prone to fury than tenderness,
Drinking in level hands from a dark cup
Of infernal zeals lethal poison:
Incenser devotee of a thousand deities,
(I say a thousand girls) in a single moment
Enemy of hypocrites, and friars:
Here is Bocage, in whom he shines some talent:
These truths came out of him
One day when she found herself shitting in the wind.
Read too: Arcadianism and Arcade Exercises.
