The construction of a canon for the brazilian nineteenth century: the power of Machado de Assis

Abstract

This paper discusses the readings of the Brazilian literary history through the eyes of Machado de Assis: although a little too obvious, the hypotheses that arise show that Machado, as a literary critic, was already aware of a continuum in our literary history, as one can read in “Instinto de nacionalidade” (1873) as well as in “A nova geração” (1879). That would have undeniable impact in his fictional work, since he would use his appreciation of his literary surroundings as a way to change and improve his writings. We could attest, therefore, that Machado de Assis is directly responsible for our literary canon in the Nineteenth Century, which he influenced posthumously – through his readers – but also as a willing agent.