Arcadianism and Neoclassicism: Key Authors and Concepts

Arcadianism: Neoclassicism and Skepticism

Arcadianism, also known as Neoclassicism, prioritizes the beauty and precision of language. Its primary characteristics include:

• Rejection of Baroque: Aimed to eliminate hype, pretension, and extravagance.
• Return to Nature: Focused on a simple, bucolic, and pastoral life.
• Literary Style: Utilized simpler structures and Latin phrases.
• Contradiction: Highlighted the tension between urban progress and the pastoral ideal.

Key Authors of Arcadianism

Cláudio Manuel da Costa (1729–1789)

Considered the pioneer of Arcadianism, he cultivated the eclogue and pastoral poetry, viewing nature as a refuge. Influenced by Enlightenment ideas and Camões, he wrote the epic poem Villa Rica. His pseudonym was Glauceste Satúrnio.

Tomás Antônio Gonzaga (1744–1810)

Known by the pseudonym Dirceu, his lyrical works were inspired by his muse, Marília. He also authored Cartas Chilenas (under the pseudonym Critilo), which features aggressive language and critical reflections on justice and society.

Santa Rita Durão (1741–1784)

A priest who wrote the epic poem Caramuru, which chronicles the discovery of Bahia. Influenced by Camões, he celebrates Brazilian nature and describes the landscape, featuring the indigenous heroine Paraguaçu.

Basílio da Gama (1741–1795)

A miner and author of the epic poem O Uraguai. The work depicts the struggle of Portuguese and Spanish forces against the indigenous people of the Seven Missions. Key characters include Gomes Freire, Father Baldo (the antagonist), Cacambo, and the heroine Lindóia.

Syntactic Functions: Practical Examples

Below are examples of syntactic analysis:

• At the party, I found Tainá, our classmate (Appositive).
• They tell me (Indirect Object) the secret.
• The meeting (Subject Core) was very exciting yesterday.
• He looks thrilled (Subject Predicative).
• Discovered mysteriously (Adverbial Adjunct of Manner) the truth.
• I will ask him (Indirect Object) a courtesy.
• I want to put it (Direct Object) in the garage (Adverbial Adjunct of Place), before my husband (Adverbial Adjunct of Time) arrives (Intransitive Verb).
• See if you do (Transitive Verb) the repair (Direct Object) of the car (Nominal Complement) soon (Adverbial Adjunct of Time).
• He left his parents impressed (Object Predicative) with this news (Nominal Complement).
• Can you enter, everyone (Vocative)? Everything (Subject) is (Linking Verb) already ready (Subject Predicative).