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Documentário "Levantado do Chão" - José Saramago
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Documentário "Levantado do Chão" - José Saramago

José Saramago: A Glimpse into His Life and Work

Early Memories of Saramago

  • The speaker reflects on their initial encounters with José Saramago, noting that he was relatively unknown at the time, often described as poor and unassuming in appearance.
  • Saramago would bring various items to share with the speaker's curious son, who sought to learn more about him and his work.
  • The speaker reminisces about how they perceived Saramago's youthful spirit even after many years had passed since their last meeting.

Writing Journey and Influences

  • In 1977, Saramago settled in Lavre, a village in Montemor Novo, where he began writing "Levantado do Chão," inspired by the voices of Alentejo.
  • This novel chronicles the struggles of three generations of peasant farmers while critiquing state and church injustices; it marks a significant development in Saramago's literary voice.
  • The narrative style blends direct and indirect speech, showcasing a unique approach to punctuation that some critics misinterpret as lacking structure.

Literary Style and Recognition

  • Saramago’s innovative use of punctuation creates an oral-like flow in his writing, engaging readers actively by leaving certain elements for them to interpret.
  • After receiving the Nobel Prize, he returned to Lavra emotionally overwhelmed but grateful for his journey from obscurity to recognition as a writer.

Personal Reflections on Heritage

  • He shares anecdotes about rejections from publishers early in his career but emphasizes perseverance leading to eventual success with "Levantado do Chão."
  • The book symbolizes growth from humble beginnings—like crops rising from the ground—and serves as a metaphor for literary creation.

Family Legacy and Influence

  • Reflecting on family history, he recounts memories of his grandparents' simple yet profound lives intertwined with nature and storytelling traditions.
  • He describes his grandfather Jerónimo Melrinho’s deep connection with life and nature, illustrating how these experiences shaped his worldview as a writer.

José Saramago: A Journey Through Memory and Literature

Early Memories and Family Background

  • José Saramago reflects on his childhood memories, including stories from his grandfather Jerónimo, who he describes as a philosopher and an illiterate writer.
  • He shares the anecdote of how his name was registered; a drunken clerk added "Saramago," which became part of his identity.
  • Saramago discusses the unique situation where he was named after his father, José de Sousa, due to the clerk's error.
  • He recounts the tragic loss of his brother Francisco at age four due to bronchopneumonia, which deeply affected their family during Christmas.
  • The experience with Francisco inspired Saramago's novel "Todos os Nomes," exploring themes of love and memory through a character's obsession with a ghostly figure.

Themes in "Todos os Nomes"

  • Saramago describes "Todos os Nomes" as an absolute love story without an object, focusing on a character who becomes enamored with someone lost to time.
  • The protagonist embarks on a detective-like journey to uncover the identity of this ghostly figure, symbolizing humanity's struggle against oblivion.
  • He emphasizes that all humans are ultimately condemned to forgetfulness, highlighting existential themes present in his work.

Literary Development and Influences

  • At 18 years old, Saramago wrote his first poem dedicated to Hilda Reis; he attributes emotional depth inherited from his mother and rigor from his father.
  • His first novel "Terra do Pecado" was published at 25; however, he faced nearly two decades without publishing again due to life's hardships.
  • Saramago worked as a mechanic in Lisbon hospitals before transitioning into administrative roles; these experiences shaped his worldview and writing style.

Discovering Literature

  • He recalls entering a reading room at Palácio das Galveias that significantly influenced him—transforming reading from mechanical understanding into passionate exploration.
  • Lacking books at home during adolescence led him to read everything available in libraries, fostering curiosity about literature despite initial ignorance.
  • The absence of modern distractions like video games allowed young readers like him to fully immerse themselves in books.

Encountering Fernando Pessoa

  • Saramago mistakenly believed Ricardo Reis was a real poet rather than one of Fernando Pessoa’s heteronyms for several months—a testament to the impact of literature on him.

Political Engagement

  • As a member of the Portuguese Communist Party since 1969, Saramago intertwines literary pursuits with critical citizenship—acknowledging both admiration and criticism for this stance.

The Role of Critical Thinking in Political Discourse

The Importance of Critical Thinking

  • The speaker emphasizes the lack of critical thinking in political parties, suggesting that they all behave similarly and fail to challenge their own narratives.
  • Personal anecdote about learning to read through the "Diário de Notícias," highlighting the importance of reading as a foundation for critical thought.

Historical Context and Consequences

  • Discusses the 1975 dismissal of 24 journalists from "Diário de Notícias" due to disagreements with Communist Party editorial direction, illustrating the impact on personal lives and careers.
  • Reflects on José Saramago's firm convictions regarding journalistic integrity and his belief that he was serving both the newspaper's interests and those of its readers.

Saramago’s Career Shift

  • After being unemployed at age 53, Saramago decided to focus solely on writing, which led him to survive through translations.
  • Speculates why Saramago was not appointed as director of "Diário de Notícias," attributing it to his strong personality and misconceptions about his character.

Exploring 'Memorial do Convento'

Overview of the Novel

  • "Memorial do Convento" is introduced as Saramago's most famous work, required reading in secondary education; it intertwines historical narrative with fictional elements.
  • The story revolves around Baltazar, a worker at the convent, and Blimunda Sete Sois, who possesses unique abilities. It reflects societal conditions during Dom João V's reign.

Themes and Symbolism

  • Highlights how wealth from Portugal during Dom João V’s era did not benefit its people, drawing parallels between past poverty and contemporary issues.
  • Emphasizes that despite royal commands, true heroism lies with workers who built Mafra quickly; this duality represents broader social themes within the novel.

Saramago’s Impact on Literature

Cultural Significance

  • Discusses how "Memorial do Convento" has influenced modern culture by attracting youth interest in historical sites like Mafra.

Adaptations and Reception

  • Notes that Saramago's works have been adapted into various forms including opera; specifically mentions an Italian adaptation titled "Blimunda."

Controversy Surrounding 'Evangelho Segundo Jesus Cristo'

Humanizing Jesus Christ

  • Describes how Saramago humanizes Jesus in this controversial work by exploring his imperfections and relationships, particularly with Mary Magdalene.

Reactions from Society

  • Details backlash against the book for perceived offensiveness towards Catholic traditions; highlights censorship efforts by cultural authorities.

Religious Heritage and Political Discourse

Critique of Government Actions

  • The speaker argues that the government's reasons for excluding certain works from selection are unacceptable, likening them to actions taken in oppressive regimes.

Division Among People

  • The speaker responds to accusations of dividing the Portuguese people, referencing the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus states he brings a sword, not peace.

Personal Reflections on Political Decisions

  • The speaker reflects on their initial intentions regarding a project and expresses surprise at its prolonged controversy, comparing it to past political scandals.

Discussion on Principles and Consequences

  • Emphasizes that their opposition is based on principles rather than personal judgments about individuals involved in the project.

Awareness of Political Risks

  • The speaker acknowledges the potential political fallout from their decisions, indicating they warned their staff about possible job searches due to impending consequences.

Literary References and Personal Anecdotes

Acknowledgment of Literary Contributions

  • Reflecting on former Prime Minister Cavaco Silva's honorary degree in literature, the speaker muses about his understanding of literary matters compared to Saramago's work.

Saramago’s Legacy and Health Struggles

  • Discusses Saramago's recognition as a significant 20th-century writer and recounts his near-death experience while completing "A Viagem do Elefante," highlighting his dedication to literature.

Themes of Mortality in Literature

Exploration of Death in Saramago’s Work

  • Mentions Saramago's novel "As Intermitências da Morte," which personifies death falling in love with a musician, suggesting new perspectives on mortality.

Dialogue Between Life and Death

  • A fictional exchange illustrates themes of urgency and reflection as characters discuss life’s fleeting nature amidst humorous undertones.

Finality and Acceptance

  • Concludes with an impactful moment where death communicates a definitive end to life, urging appreciation for remaining time.

José Saramago: A Literary Journey

The Fragility of Civilization

  • Discussion on the fragility of human civilization, illustrated through literature and the metaphor of closing one's eyelids.
  • Reflection on the nature of poetry and its ability to encapsulate profound truths without exaggeration.
  • Observations about societal satisfaction when engaging with culture in smaller communities versus modern urban life.

Critique of Modern Society

  • Commentary on the disconnect between wealthy elites and their perception of literature, particularly regarding communist authors.
  • Highlighting José Saramago as a self-taught writer who represents Portugal authentically, emphasizing his Nobel Prize recognition.

Saramago's Global Impact

  • Notable achievements include translations into over 30 languages and sales exceeding one million copies in the U.S., showcasing his international reach.
  • New York City described as a cinematic landscape, reflecting on how it shapes perceptions and experiences.

Themes in Saramago's Work

  • Exploration of narrative style that keeps readers engaged through unexpected developments from chapter to chapter.
  • Discussion on "Blindness," highlighting its themes related to societal collapse when faced with loss of basic human faculties.

Legacy and Emotional Resonance

  • Insights into how "Blindness" reveals humanity's underlying vulnerabilities, challenging notions of stability and civilization.
  • Anticipation for renewed interest in "Blindness" due to film adaptations, indicating lasting relevance in contemporary culture.

Personal Reflections

  • Saramago expresses a desire for his legacy to be remembered through compassion depicted in his works.
  • Final thoughts on mortality and remembrance tied to emotional connections within his narratives.
Video description

Documentário inédito sobre a vida e obra do Prémio Nobel da Literatura, José Saramago. No dia em que se assinalam os dez anos da atribuição do primeiro Prêmio Nobel da Literatura da Língua Portuguesa, a RTP exibe um documentário que retrata o percurso singular do escritor José Saramago, que se afirma "pessimista pela razão, otimista pela vontade". Durante quase um ano, uma equipe da RTP reconstitui os pontos cardeais em que a vida e obra de Saramago se fundem, num trabalho que aborda a história do escritor português mais lido e conhecido do mundo. Mais do que uma biografia, este documentário pretende dar a conhecer ao grande público os momentos decisivos da vida de um homem que aos cinquenta e três anos não era ainda escritor. Filho e neto de camponeses sem terra, José Saramago imigrou para Lisboa com dois anos. Grande parte da sua vida decorreu na capital, que serve de cenário a alguns dos seus romances. Mas durante a adolescência, foram muitas e prolongadas as suas estadias na aldeia natal, Azinhaga, Golegã, que o marcou para toda a vida. Ficou célebre, o discurso que Saramago proferiu há dez anos na entrega do prémio Nobel, evocando com emoção os avós Jerómino e Josefa, que dormiam com porcos na cama, única forma de sobreviverem todos. José Saramago frequentou o liceu e a escola industrial mas, por dificuldades econômicas, não pôde prosseguir os estudos. É um homem "Levantado do Chão", título de uma das suas obras, e título escolhido também, para este documentário. O seu primeiro emprego foi de serralheiro mecânico e neste trabalho reeencontramos a oficina dessa época assim como ex-colegas de ofício.