The Audible Gesture: A Poetics of Sound in Brazilian Modernist Literature

Introduction

In her groundbreaking book, The Audible Gesture: A Poetics of Sound in Brazilian Modernist Literature, Eleonora Cavalcante Albano offers a new way of understanding the relationship between sound and literature. Drawing on a wide range of theoretical approaches, including sound studies, literary theory, and cultural history, Albano argues that sound is not simply a secondary element of literature, but rather a constitutive force that shapes meaning and experience.

Sound and Modernism

Albano begins by exploring the role of sound in the development of Brazilian modernism. She argues that the modernist poets and writers of the early twentieth century were particularly attuned to the sonic qualities of language, and that they used sound to create new and innovative forms of literary expression.

One of the most important ways in which sound was used in Brazilian modernism was through the use of onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sounds they represent, and it was a technique that was widely used by modernist poets such as Oswald de Andrade and Mário de Andrade. By using onomatopoeia, these poets were able to create a sense of immediacy and presence in their work, and to evoke the sounds of the natural world and the urban environment.

Another important way in which sound was used in Brazilian modernism was through the use of rhythm and meter. Rhythm and meter are the patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables in a poem, and they can be used to create a sense of movement and energy. Modernist poets such as Carlos Drummond de Andrade and Murilo Mendes experimented with a wide variety of rhythmic and metrical patterns, and they used these patterns to create poems that were both musical and visually appealing.

Sound and Politics

Albano also explores the political implications of sound in Brazilian modernist literature. She argues that sound was used by modernist writers to challenge the dominant social and political order, and to create a space for new and alternative forms of expression.

One of the most important ways in which sound was used for political purposes was through the use of noise. Noise is a type of sound that is unwanted or disruptive, and it was often used by modernist writers to express their dissatisfaction with the status quo. By using noise, these writers were able to create a sense of chaos and disorder, and to challenge the prevailing notions of order and harmony.

Another important way in which sound was used for political purposes was through the use of silence. Silence is the absence of sound, and it can be used to create a sense of mystery and suspense. Modernist writers such as João Guimarães Rosa and Clarice Lispector used silence to create a sense of the unknown, and to challenge the reader's expectations.

Conclusion

In The Audible Gesture, Eleonora Cavalcante Albano offers a new and innovative way of understanding the relationship between sound and literature. She argues that sound is not simply a secondary element of literature, but rather a constitutive force that shapes meaning and experience. By exploring the role of sound in Brazilian modernist literature, Albano provides a valuable contribution to the fields of sound studies, literary theory, and cultural history.

Why You Should Read This Book

The Audible Gesture is a must-read for anyone interested in sound studies, literary theory, or Brazilian literature. Albano's groundbreaking work offers a new way of understanding the relationship between sound and literature, and it is sure to inspire new research and scholarship in this field.

In addition to its scholarly value, The Audible Gesture is also a beautifully written and engaging book. Albano's prose is clear and concise, and she does an excellent job of weaving together theoretical insights with close readings of literary texts. The book is also full of fascinating illustrations and examples, which help to bring Albano's arguments to life.

If you are interested in learning more about the role of sound in literature, or if you are simply looking for a good read, then I highly recommend The Audible Gesture. You will not be disappointed.