Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage
Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage was a notable Portuguese poet born in 1765 into an aristocratic family. Displaying prodigious talent from a young age, he began writing poetry as a child. His early educational journey was marked by a departure from school at fourteen to join Portugal's Seventh Infantry Regiment, followed by service in the Indian Navy and the Royal Marine Academy. While stationed in Goa, Bocage attracted attention and controversy through his satirical writings critiquing the Portuguese empire's decadence, which ultimately led to his departure from India. After returning to Portugal, he became associated with the literary society New Arcadia but left after three years. Bocage's later work shifted focus from satire to themes of love, particularly inspired by relationships with two sisters. Despite his artistic contributions, he faced challenges, including arrest for his antireligious poetry and struggles with poverty, ultimately passing away in 1805. His legacy continues to be recognized for its literary significance within Portuguese literature.
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Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage
Poet
- Born: September 15, 1765
- Birthplace: Setúbal, Portugal
- Died: December 21, 1805
- Place of death: Lisbon, Portugal
Biography
Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage was born to an aristocratic family in Portugal in 1765. A child prodigy, Bocage began writing poetry as a very small child. He abandoned school at the age of fourteen to join Portugal’s Seventh Infantry Regiment, which he left after two years to join the navy. He then entered the Royal Marine Academy. Rising through the ranks of the Indian Navy, Bocage was stationed in Goa, India, in 1786. After causing scandal by writing a satire about the decadence of the Portuguese empire in India, Bocage left Goa in 1789 to serve as lieutenant of the infantry stationed in Damão, India. He soon deserted this post and traveled for a brief time before making his way back to Portugal.
Bocage settled in Lisbon and continued to pen his satirical poetry. In 1790, he joined the literary society New Arcadia, which counted many of the country’s best talents among its members. Bocage, however, left the society after three years. In 1797 he was arrested for penning antireligious poetry. He quickly recanted the verses and was shortly released. His work following the arrest centered on love rather than satire, including many verses directed to two sisters of whom Bocage had grown fond. His failing health and impending death led to the creation of several sonnets inspired by his plight. Bocage died in poverty in 1805.