Marília de Dirceu it is the most emblematic work of the Portuguese-Brazilian Arcadian poet Tomás Antônio Gonzaga.
It is a long lyrical poem that was published in Lisbon, starting in 1792.
Summary and Excerpts of the Work
Marília de Dirceu's lyres explore the theme of love between two shepherds.
Throughout the work, the lyrical self expresses its love for Pastor Marília and talks about its future expectations.
Within the context of Arcadismo, Dirceu reveals the ambition of having a simple and bucolic life with his beloved.
Nature thus becomes a strong feature, which is described at different times. However, this love cannot be consummated, since Dirceu was exiled from his country.
In the first part of the work, the main focus is the exaltation of the beauty of his beloved and of nature.
Part I, Lira I
"Your eyes spread divine light,
To whom the sunlight dares in vain:
Poppy, or delicate and fine rose,
Cover your faces, which are the color of snow.
Your hair is a strand of gold;
Your beautiful body balms vapora.
Ah! No, Heaven didn't, kind Pastor,
For the glory of Love equals treasure.
Thanks, beautiful Marília,
Thanks to my Star!”
In the second part, the tone of loneliness already starts to appear, once the lyrical self goes to prison. This is because Dirceu was involved in the movement of the Inconfidência Mineira, in Minas Gerais.
Part II, Lira I
“In this cruel dark dungeon
I'm still seeing your beautiful eyes,
The beautiful forehead,
the snowy teeth,
The black hair.I see, Marília, yes, and I still see
The swarm of Cupids, what an outstanding
That beautiful mouth,
in the air they spread
Burning sighs"
And, finally, in the third part, the tone of melancholy, pessimism and loneliness is notorious.
Exiled in Africa, the lyrical self reveals the longing he feels for his beloved:
Part III, Lira IX
"The saddest day has arrived
that the ugly day of death;
I fell from the throne, Dircea,
from the throne of your arms,
Ah! I can't, no, I can't
tell you, baby, goodbye!Wicked Fado, That Couldn't
the sweet ties break me,
for revenge want to take me
away from your eyes.
Ah! I can't, no, I can't
tell you, honey, goodbye!”
Do you want to know more about the concept associated with the poem's voice? Read the text me lyric.
Structure of the Work
Marília de Dirceu is a long lyrical and narrative poem. Written in verse, the language used is simple.
As for the structure, the work is divided into three parts, with a total of 80 lire and 13 sonnets.
- First part: composed of 33 lire that were published in 1792.
- Second part: composed of 38 lire that were published in 1799.
- Third part: composed of 9 lire and 13 sonnets that were published in 1812.
The protagonists of the story are the shepherds of sheep: Marília and Dirceu. It represents the voice of the poem (lyrical self).
It is interesting to note that the space, that is, the place where the story takes place, is not revealed in the work.
Learn more about the poet Tomás Antônio Gonzaga.
Did you know?
The lyre is a stringed musical instrument. In literature, it designates a sung poetry. In ancient Greece, poetry was accompanied by the lyre.
Work Analysis
Marília de Dirceu is one of the most important in the Arcadian movement in Brazil. The main characteristics are: romanticism, bucolicism, pastoralism, description and cult of nature and simplicity.
Of autobiographical character, Tomás Antônio Gonzaga (1744-1810) wrote this work inspired by his own love story.
He met his inspiring muse when he was living and working as a General Ombudsman in the city of Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. Her name was Maria Doroteia Joaquina de Seixas Brandão.
They even got engaged, however, Tomás was accused of conspiracy, since he was involved with the movement of Mining Inconfidence.
Therefore, he was arrested and exiled to Africa, moving away from his beloved. At that time, he wrote the work that would consecrate him.
Check out the work in full by downloading the PDF here: Marília de Dirceu.
Curiosity
The city of Marília, in the interior of São Paulo, was named after the work of poet Tomás Antônio Gonzaga.
Want to learn more about the Arcade movement? Read the articles:
- Arcadianism in Brazil
- Arcadianism in Portugal
- Arcadian Features
- The Language of Arcadianism
