Abílio Manuel Guerra Junqueiro
Abílio Manuel Guerra Junqueiro was a prominent Portuguese poet known for his significant role in the literary revolution of the late 19th century. He emerged as a leading figure among a group of dissident poets, collectively referred to as the Generation Coimbra, who sought to challenge the prevailing influence of French-inspired Romanticism in literature. Junqueiro's debut in this movement came with the publication of his poem collection, "A Morte de D. Joao," in 1874, where he criticized Romanticism as a source of false sentiment. His later work, "A Velhice do Padre Eterno," published in 1885, marked a bold satirical attack on the image of God and the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.
Throughout his career, Junqueiro utilized his poetry to confront themes of conservatism and critique established religious norms. However, in the latter part of his life, he experienced a profound transformation, shifting his focus from sharp satire to more heartfelt reflections on rural life. This evolution culminated in a religious conversion before his passing in 1923, leading him to reconcile with the Roman Catholic Church, in contrast to his earlier writings. Junqueiro's journey illustrates a complex interplay between literature, religion, and personal belief, making him a notable figure in Portuguese literary history.
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Abílio Manuel Guerra Junqueiro
- Born: September 15, 1850
- Birthplace: Trás-os-Montes, Portugal
- Died: July 7, 1923
Biography
Abílio Manuel Guerra Junqueiro, a Portuguese poet, was a forerunner in the literary revolution of the late nineteenth century. This revolution was a protest against the French-inspired Romanticism which had greatly influenced the poets, playwrights, and novelists in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Junqueiro was a leader of a group of dissident poets who, in an effort to counteract Romanticism, infused their works with political, philosophical, and social themes. The group of poets, known as the Generation Coimbra, was composed of students from the University of Coimbra in Portugal.
Junqueiro established his position in the literary revolution in 1874 with the publication of his book of poems, A Morte de D. Joao. In this work, Junqueiro portrayed Romanticism as the symbol of false sentiment. His subsequent work, A Velhice do Padre Eterno (1885), was a satirical poem which vehemently attacked the image of God and the principles of the Roman Catholic Church.
Throughout the late 1800’s, Junqueiro continued to use his literary works as a vehicle to attack conservatism, romanticism, and the Roman Catholic Church. However, in his later years, Junqueiro experienced a change of heart. His writing changed from violent satires to simple, touching lyrics of rural life. Before his death in 1923, Junqueiro underwent a religious conversion and, in contradiction to the message he portrayed in his earlier works, embraced the Roman Catholic Church.