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The History of Literature
678 Fernando Pessoa (with Bartholomew Ryan) | My Last Book with Robin Waterfield
Feb 13, 2025
Bartholomew Ryan, a philosopher and researcher at NOVA University, delves into the life of Portuguese modernist poet Fernando Pessoa, known for his over 100 alter-egos or heteronyms. They discuss Pessoa's innovative exploration of identity and existence, influenced by his diverse background. Renowned scholar Robin Waterfield joins to reflect on choosing Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' as his final read, sharing insights on the evolution of reading and the nuanced connections characters develop over time.
01:09:28
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Quick takeaways
- Fernando Pessoa's innovative use of over 100 heteronyms allowed him to express diverse perspectives and explore complex facets of identity.
- The influence of Pessoa's early life experiences, particularly his sense of exile and linguistic immersion, profoundly shaped his poetic voice.
Deep dives
Fernando Pessoa's Plurality
Fernando Pessoa, a renowned Portuguese modernist poet, aspired to embody the concept of plurality, which he achieved through the creation of over 100 fictional alter egos known as heteronyms. These heteronyms allowed him to express varied perspectives, emotions, and writing styles that diverged from his own identity, making his body of work rich and complex. For instance, Pessoa invented these alter egos not merely as pseudonyms but as fully developed characters with distinct biographies and personal beliefs, enabling him to explore diverse facets of human experience and creativity. This innovative approach fundamentally altered the landscape of modern poetry by presenting multiple voices, reflecting the fluid nature of identity and existence.
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