Under the Birch Branch: Fernando Pessoa and Victorian Eroticism - Yara Frateschi Vieira

Under the Birch Branch: Fernando Pessoa and Victorian Eroticism

In her book "Under the Birch Branch: Fernando Pessoa and Victorian Eroticism," Yara Frateschi Vieira explores the influence of Victorian eroticism on the work of the Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. Vieira argues that Pessoa's poetry is deeply indebted to the erotic literature of the Victorian era, and that this influence can be seen in his use of language, imagery, and themes.

Victorian Eroticism

Victorian eroticism was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. On the one hand, it was a time of great sexual repression, with strict social and moral codes governing sexual behavior. On the other hand, there was also a thriving underground of erotic literature and art, which catered to the desires of those who were not satisfied with the limitations of Victorian society.

This erotic literature often took the form of novels, short stories, and poems that were published anonymously or under pseudonyms. These works often featured explicit sexual content, as well as themes of sadomasochism, voyeurism, and fetishism.

Fernando Pessoa

Fernando Pessoa was a Portuguese poet who lived from 1888 to 1935. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, and his work has been translated into more than 100 languages.

Pessoa's poetry is often characterized by its use of multiple personae, or masks. These personae allow Pessoa to explore different aspects of his own personality, as well as to experiment with different literary styles.

The Influence of Victorian Eroticism on Pessoa's Poetry

Vieira argues that Pessoa's poetry is deeply indebted to the erotic literature of the Victorian era. She points to a number of similarities between Pessoa's work and Victorian erotic literature, including the use of explicit sexual content, the exploration of taboo subjects, and the use of multiple personae.

For example, Pessoa's poem "The Book of Disquiet" is a collection of fragments that explore a variety of themes, including sexuality, death, and the nature of reality. The poem is full of erotic imagery, and it often deals with taboo subjects such as incest and prostitution.

Another example of Pessoa's use of Victorian eroticism is his poem "The Love Sonnets." These sonnets are addressed to a woman named Ophelia, and they are full of passionate and erotic language. The sonnets also explore the theme of sadomasochism, with Ophelia often being depicted as a submissive figure who is dominated by the speaker.

Conclusion

Vieira's book "Under the Birch Branch: Fernando Pessoa and Victorian Eroticism" is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the influence of Victorian eroticism on the work of Fernando Pessoa. Vieira's research is meticulous and her arguments are persuasive. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Pessoa's poetry, or in the history of erotic literature.

Why You Should Buy This Book

If you are interested in Pessoa's poetry, or in the history of erotic literature, then you should definitely buy this book. Vieira's research is meticulous and her arguments are persuasive. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand Pessoa's work in a new light.

In addition to being a valuable resource for scholars, this book is also a pleasure to read. Vieira's writing is clear and engaging, and she does an excellent job of bringing Pessoa's poetry to life. This book is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers, from scholars to general readers.

So what are you waiting for? Buy this book today!