Hey there! Ready for a Dica through Portuguese literature? Today, we’re diving into the incredible world of Machado de Assis, a literary genius whose work has left an undeniable mark on Brazil and beyond. We’ll explore everything from his classic “Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas” to the unforgettable characters in “Dom Casmurro” and “The Alienist”. Curious about his life story? This Machado de Assis bio will highlight his unique perspective as a Black Brazilian icon and how he was influenced by both the struggles and beauty of his time. We’ve got his greatest works—like “Helena”, “Esau and Jacob”, and “Midnight Mass”—and even some of his famous short stories like “The Fortune Teller”. And don’t forget, we’ll sprinkle in some of the best Machado de Assis quotes to inspire you along the way. Let’s dive in!
Who was Machado de Assis?
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, best known as just Machado de Assis, is one of the most recognized writers worldwide. He was born in Rio de Janeiro on June 21, 1839, and died of cancer in 1908. His novels are known for being works of Brazilian literature focused on aspects of society at the time.
Machado de Assis Bio
Imagine being born in 1839, in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, but not in the glamorous parts you see today. No, Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis was born in a humble, poor neighborhood on Morro do Livramento. (Get to know more about his real home at Morro do Livramento and how unfortunately it has deteriorated) His parents? A wall painter and a washerwoman. Oh, and did I mention? He was a black man in a Brazil that still practiced slavery. Talk about beating the odds!
Machado’s life wasn’t easy. He lost his mother young and was raised by his stepmother. School? Nope. He didn’t have access to formal education. But guess what? That didn’t stop him. He taught himself everything—just him and his books. That’s right! Machado became a self-made literary genius, fueled by his passion for reading. 📚✨
At just 16, he published his first poem in a magazine. From there, his love for words only grew. He worked as a printer’s apprentice and later became a journalist, rubbing elbows with Rio’s intellectuals—well, as much as society allowed for a black man in his time. Yet, his brilliance couldn’t be ignored. ✍️
He faced serious health problems, such as epilepsy, stuttering, and nervous attacks. But, in 1869, he married Carolina, the love of his life, who supported him in every way. They were an inseparable duo, and she helped him revise many of his works. Together, they overcame Machado’s struggles with epilepsy, showing us all that even when life knocks you down, you get back up—stronger and more determined.
And boy, did Machado rise! His novel “Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas” (have you heard of it?) turned the literary world upside down in 1881. This book marked the beginning of Brazilian Realism, where Machado wowed readers with his wit, irony, and a fresh, critical take on society. And trust me, his sharp humor is still relatable today! 😂

But Machado wasn’t just a novelist. Oh no! He wrote poetry, plays, and short stories, too. He was also one of the founders of the Academia Brasileira de Letras, a Brazilian literary institution founded in the city of Rio de Janeiro in 1897, a remarkable achievement for a black man in the late 1800s. This Academy is still the most important academic institution for the Portuguese language in Brazil.
Machado’s works subtly reflect the challenges he faced as an Afro-Brazilian man. Although he didn’t directly confront racism in his stories, his critique of hypocrisy and social inequality speaks volumes about his experience. Through characters like Brás Cubas and Capitu, he painted a vivid picture of Brazil’s complex society—showing us that life isn’t always black and white. 😉
When his beloved Carolina passed away in 1904, Machado was heartbroken. He honored her memory with the beautiful poem “A Carolina”, and though his health declined, he never stopped writing. His final novel, “Memorial de Aires”, published in the year of his death, is a poignant reflection of his journey as one of Brazil’s most celebrated authors.
Machado de Assis passed away in 1908, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire readers around the world. A self-taught black man from Rio, who transformed literature, and showed us that even in the face of adversity, greatness can emerge. 💪
The Revolution of his Career
In the 1880’s, Machado de Assis underwent a great revolution concerning his work and it made him one of the greatest names in Brazilian literature. He was responsible for founding a movement called Realism in Brazilian literature, highlighting three of his most recognized novels. They are, Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas (1881), whose release was a milestone in the life of the author and has since been classified as one of the most widely read books of all time, Quincas Borba (1891) and the brilliant work Dom Casmurro (1899).
“The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas” and the Rise of Realism”
Get ready to dive into one of Machado de Assis’s most famous books, “The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas”! This 1881 classic didn’t just break the rules—it invented new ones. With a dead man narrating his own story, Machado shifted from romanticism to Brazilian realism, painting a sharp, witty picture of 19th-century society. This book? A true game-changer. It’s been translated worldwide, influencing literature far beyond Brazil’s borders and establishing Machado de Assis as a master of unconventional storytelling. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about Brazilian realism, literary genius, or just a wild, unforgettable tale.
| Original Publication | 1881 |
| New York Times Mention | 2020 – Highlighted as one of the wittiest and most ageless books ever written. |
| Acclaimed Reviews | Received accolades for its thorough translation and the ability to retain Machado’s stylistic essence. |
| Literary Significance | Marked a significant shift to realism in Latin American literature, influencing countless writers and literary styles. |
The Mulatto Identity of Machado de Assis and His Era
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1839, Machado de Assis was a mulatto, navigating the complexities of race in post-slavery Brazil. His unique perspective shaped his writing, with his books, like “The Fortune Teller” and “Esau and Jacob”, subtly challenging the social norms of his time. In a country that was still grappling with its racial hierarchies, Machado’s work became a quiet but powerful rebellion against the status quo. If you want to know more about what means mulatto identity in Brazil read our Dica that talks about it.

Racial Dynamics in 19th-Century Brazil
Brazil’s racial system was nuanced, and Machado de Assis existed within its complexities. While his African heritage was often downplayed, his black power legacy is now being reclaimed, showing how much his racial background influenced both his life and his writing. Do you know who we name pardos in Brazil? Learn to understand why Machado de Assis would be considered a pardo today.
| Aspect | Historical Representation | Modern Representation |
|---|---|---|
| Racial Identity | Often portrayed as White | Acknowledged as Mulatto |
| Literary Themes | Focused on Upper-Class Issues | Reinterpreted as Commentary on Racial and Social Dynamics |
| Public Perception | Elite Brazilian Novelist | Symbol in Addressing Complex Racial Issues |
Machado de Assis’s Literary Genius
What makes Machado de Assis so special? Let’s talk about his mind-blowing literary skills! From his satirical takes in “The Alienist” to his deeply emotional work in “Dom Casmurro”, Machado’s sharp wit and psychological depth have made him a literary giant. His works, like “The Collected Stories of Machado de Assis” and “Helena”, explore the human experience in a way that still resonates today. And those iconic Machado de Assis quotes? They reveal a thinker constantly questioning the world around him.
Exploring “Dom Casmurro” and Jealousy’s Bitter Grip
“Dom Casmurro” is a Brazilian classic and one of the most debated Machado de Assis books. In this story, Bento’s jealousy towards his wife, Capitu, drives the plot, leaving readers questioning reality. Is Capitu guilty, or is Bento lost in his own paranoia? This novel’s unreliable narration invites endless discussion, much like Shakespeare’s Othello. With its short chapters and engaging style, “Dom Casmurro” is a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring love, betrayal, and the madness of jealousy.
Delving into Madness: “The Alienist”
In “The Alienist”, Machado de Assis crafts a fascinating study of sanity and madness. Dr. Simão Bacamarte’s obsession with mental health turns the town of Itaguaí upside down, leading to absurd situations that critique society’s views on normalcy. This novella, a cornerstone of Brazilian literature, blends humor and satire with a deep dive into human behavior.
Simão Bacamarte, the main character, is a pioneering doctor. He focuses on mental health, changing Itaguaí forever. His work brings out the town’s struggle to understand and deal with mental illness.
- The story mocks the old ways of studying mental health.
- It critiques the power structures of Brazil’s past, including colonialism and slavery.
- It shows how hard it is to tell normal from mad.

Machado de Assis’s The Alienist makes us think about how society views mental health. It shows how these views affect our freedom and the norms of society.
| Publication Year | 1882 |
| Main Character | Simão Bacamarte |
| Setting | Itaguaí, Rio de Janeiro |
| Themes | Madness, society, scientific limitations |
| Significance | Examines mental health, societal norms, and human behavior |
Other books by the author highlight his critical, ironic, and reflexive spirit about Brazilian society. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Machado de Assis Books
Let’s review the Machado de Assis Books, see the original book name and its translation to English:
| 1872 | Ressurreição | Resurrection |
| 1873 | Histórias da Meia-Noite | Midnight Stories |
| 1874 | A Mão e a Luva | The Hand and the Glove |
| 1876 | Helena | Helena |
| 1878 | Iaiá Garcia | Iaiá Garcia |
| 1881 | Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas | The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas |
| 1882 | Papéis Avulsos | Miscellaneous Papers |
| 1884 | A Cartomante | The Fortune Teller |
| 1882 | A Sereníssima República | The Most Serene Republic |
| 1885 | Casa Velha | The Old House |
| 1882 | O Alienista | The Alienist |
| 1891 | Quincas Borba | Philosopher or Dog? |
| 1899 | Dom Casmurro | Dom Casmurro |
| 1904 | Esaú e Jacó | Esau and Jacob |
| 1908 | Memorial de Aires | Counselor Aires’s Memorial |
Machado de Assis short stories
If you are interested in Machado de Assis and want to read something that he wrote don’t worry, we’ll help you. Due to its age, Machado de Assis’ work can be a bit difficult because it was written in an old style of Portuguese. But you can read Machado de Assis’s short stories, they are easier because they are shorter (as the name already tells haha). So here’s a list of some of them:
| Year | Original Name | Real Translation Published |
|---|
| 1893 | A Missa do Galo | The Midnight Mass |
| 1896 | Adão e Eva | Adam and Eve |
| 1882 | O Espelho | The Mirror |
| 1884 | A Igreja do Diabo | The Devil’s Church |
| 1876 | To Be or Not to Be | To Be or Not to Be |
| 1881 | Teoria do Medalhão | The Theory of the Medal |
| 1884 | A Carteira | The Wallet |
| 1884 | A Cartomante | The Fortune Teller |

Machado de Assis’s Impact and Global Influence
Today, Machado de Assis is recognized as a literary giant not just in Brazil but around the world. His works, like “Midnight Mass”, have been adapted into films, plays, and even graphic novels. With comparisons to Chekhov, Joyce, and Dickens, Machado’s influence continues to grow, proving his genius is as timeless as it is universal. If you haven’t already, it’s time to get lost in the captivating world of Machado de Assis books!
| Year | Event | Impact on Literature |
|---|---|---|
| 1881 | Publication of Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas | Marked a shift in narrative technique, introducing introspective and existential themes in Brazilian literature. |
| 1896 | Foundation of the Brazilian Academy of Letters | Provided a structured body for literary development and recognition in Brazil. |
| 1880 – 1908 | Publication of four or five novels and dozens of short stories | Enriched Brazilian literature with complex characters and innovative storylines that challenged conventional narratives. |
Machado de Assis Quotes
As an impactful global writer, some of their quotes are quite famous. Here are some of the most famous quotes from Machado de Assis, along with their English translations:
- “Cada qual sabe amar a seu modo; o modo, pouco importa; o essencial é que saiba amar.”
- Translation: “Each one knows how to love in their own way; the way doesn’t matter much; the essential thing is to know how to love.”
- “Não tive filhos, não transmiti a nenhuma criatura o legado da nossa miséria.”
- Translation: “I had no children, I passed on to no other creature the legacy of our misery.”
- “A vida é cheia de obrigações que a gente cumpre por mais vontade que tenha de as infringir deslavadamente.”
- Translation: “Life is full of obligations that we fulfill, no matter how much we want to blatantly violate them.”
- “A saudade é isto mesmo; é o passar e repassar das memórias antigas.”
- Translation: “That is what longing is; it’s the passing and repassing of old memories.”
- “Há coisas que melhor se dizem calando.”
- Translation: “There are things that are better said by staying silent.”
- “Esquecer é uma necessidade. A vida é uma lousa, em que o destino, para escrever um novo caso, precisa de apagar o caso escrito.”
- Translation: “Forgetting is a necessity. Life is a slate where destiny, to write a new case, needs to erase the previously written one.”
- “Palavra puxa palavra, uma ideia traz outra, e assim se faz um livro, um governo, ou uma revolução.”
- Translation: “One word leads to another, one idea brings another, and that’s how a book, a government, or a revolution is made.”
- “A vida sem luta é um mar morto no centro do organismo universal.”
- Translation: “Life without struggle is a dead sea in the center of the universal organism.”
- “Creia em si, mas não duvide sempre dos outros.”
- Translation: “Believe in yourself, but don’t always doubt others.”
- “Não é amigo aquele que alardeia a amizade: é traficante; a amizade sente-se, não se diz.”
- Translation: “The one who boasts of friendship is not a friend; he is a merchant. Friendship is felt, not said.”
These quotes capture Machado de Assis’s deep insights into human nature, society, and the complexities of life.
Curiosities about Machado
Did you think that’s all? No! Here is some information that you probably didn’t know about him:
- Machado was responsible for one of the first translations of Edgar Allan Poe’s tale The Crow.
- His neighbors gave him a nickname of Bruxo do Cosme Velho (wizard of Cosme Velho), because he would burn letters in a cauldron in his house located in Rua Cosme Velho.
- Machado wrote nine theatrical texts and was a critic of theatrical arts since he was 21 years old.
- He also worked as a journalist, and in his early teens, he sold sweets made by his stepmother and shined shoes.
- In 1888, the then emperor Dom Pedro 2º awarded him the Order of the Rose, and months later he was nominated to be part of the Secretariat of Agriculture.
My personal recommendation? A Igreja do Diabo is a must-read!
Vocabulary list
| Literature | Literatura |
| Writer | Escritor |
| Novels | Romances |
| Health problems | Problemas de saúde |
| Stuttering | Gagueira |
| Realism | Realismo |
| Books | Livros |
| Founders | Fundadores |
| Literary | Literário/a |
| Brazilian society | Sociedade brasileira |
| Short stories / tale | Contos |
| Translations | Traduções |
| Letters | Cartas |
| Theatrical texts | Textos teatrais |
| Critic | Crítico |
| Journalist | Jornalista |
Finally, now that you know more about the Brazilian writer Machado de Assis, tell us: what kinds of books do you most enjoy reading? Have you read any Brazilian literature?
See you the next Dica!
A big hug from Rio & Learn.
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Paulo Coelho
Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes