Fernando Pessoa: The Poet of Heteronyms and Depersonalization
Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, born June 13, 1888 in Lisbon and died November 30, 1935 in the same city from liver problems, is celebrated for his complex poetic conception involving multiple heteronyms—distinct fictional personalities with their own biographies, professions, and styles. He lived in constant dialogue with these figures, considering them integral to himself. His notable works include 'The Book of Disquiet' by Bernardo Soares, 'The Anarchist Banker', 'Poems of Alberto Caeiro', and 'Esoteric Poems'. Pessoa's fascination with mystery and depersonalization is compared to Luigi Pirandello's themes of identity fragmentation. The article also references a portrait by José de Almada-Negreiros and a song by Roberto Vecchioni inspired by Pessoa.
Key facts
- Fernando Pessoa was born June 13, 1888 in Lisbon, Portugal.
- He died November 30, 1935 in Lisbon due to liver problems.
- His last autograph verse was 'I know not what tomorrow will bring'.
- Pessoa created about fifty heteronyms within his poetic work.
- Heteronyms have distinct fisionomy, identity card, profession, religion, character, and lifestyle.
- Notable works include 'The Book of Disquiet', 'The Anarchist Banker', 'Poems of Alberto Caeiro', and 'Esoteric Poems'.
- The article compares Pessoa to Luigi Pirandello and Walt Whitman.
- A portrait of Pessoa by José de Almada-Negreiros (1954) is featured.
- Roberto Vecchioni wrote a song 'Le lettere d'amore' inspired by Pessoa.
- The article is by Francesca Bertuglia for MIfacciodiCultura.
Entities
Artists
- Fernando Pessoa
- Bernardo Soares
- Alberto Caeiro
- Luigi Pirandello
- Walt Whitman
- José de Almada-Negreiros
- Roberto Vecchioni
- Francesca Bertuglia
Institutions
- MIfacciodiCultura
- Artspecialday
Locations
- Lisbon
- Portugal
- South Africa