Vergílio Ferreira
Vergílio Ferreira was a prominent Portuguese poet and novelist of the twentieth century, known for his impactful literary contributions. Born in Portugal, he experienced a significant early life event when his parents moved to the United States, leaving him and his siblings in the care of relatives. This separation deeply affected him and later influenced his writing. Ferreira's education began in a seminary but shifted to the University of Coimbra, where he began crafting poetry that would eventually gain recognition. He embarked on a teaching career while simultaneously publishing notable works, including his first novel, "O caminho fica longe," in 1943. His writings often explore themes of existence through the lens of sympathetic characters. Over the years, Ferreira garnered various honors, including membership in the Brazilian Academy of Letters and the Academy of Science in Lisbon, in addition to receiving the Cameo Prize. He died in 1996 and was laid to rest near the Serra da Estrela mountains that inspired much of his work.
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Subject Terms
Vergílio Ferreira
Author
- Born: January 28, 1916
- Birthplace: Portugal
- Died: March 1, 1996
- Place of death: Lisbon, Portugal
Biography
Vergílio Ferreira, a twentieth century poet and novelist, was born in Portugal. He was the son of Antonio and Josefa Ferreira. At the age of four, his parents left Ferreira and his brothers in the care of maternal aunts and moved to the United States. The separation from his parents was very painful for Ferreira and would influence his future writings. Also influential in many of his writings would be the scenic beauty of his childhood home at the base of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela mountain range.
In 1926, Ferreira entered the seminary of Fundão. However, despite his parents’ protest, Ferreira abandoned his religious studies and continued his education at the University of Coimbra in Portugal where he studied in the college of letters. At this time, Ferreira began writing his first poems, most of which were not published until many years later.
In 1942, Ferreira began teaching at the secondary school of Faro. In 1943, he published his first romantic novel titled, O caminho fica longe (1943). For the next two decades, Ferreira continued to teach and write. Ferreira’s romantic works featured sympathetic and eloquent characters who sought the meaning of existence. He succeeded in publishing several more poetic and romantic works and established himself as one of the most celebrated writers in the history of Portugal.
In 1984, Ferreira was elected a partner of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. In 1992, he was elected to the Academy of Science in Lisbon and was awarded the prestigious Cameo Prize. This award was established by the Portuguese and Brazilian governments in order to strengthen literary and cultural ties between various Portuguese-speaking countries. Ferreira died in Lisbon in 1996. He was buried near his beloved mountains and childhood home.