Literature and public life. Eça and Mário de Carvalho

Abstract

Our study aims to present the relation between literature and public life by two outstanding writers of Portuguese literature, Eça de Queirós and Mário de Carvalho. Eça de Queirós is probably the nineteenth century Portuguese writer with the most international projection. Mário de Carvalho currently has a vast work of more than thirty years that has been awarded in Portugal and abroad. They have in common the formative and reforming intention through a merciless irony and sharp criticism of their societies. Mário de Carvalho is also an enthusiastic reader of Eça that he often mentions. This article analyzes some aspects and institutions of Portuguese society that deserve their criticism, namely journalism, politics, churches and the dominant culture. The responsibility to move away citizens from their apathy towards culture and politics is evident in these two authors who not only bear witness to Portuguese society, but convey moral indignation against all forms of submission to the established powers.