Origins & Early Life

Graciliano Ramos de Oliveira (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation: [ɡɾasiliˈɐnu ˈʁɐmuz dʒi oliˈvejɾɐ]; October 27, 1892 – March 20, 1953) was a Brazilian modernist writer, politician and journalist. He is known worldwide for his portrayal of the precarious situation of the poor inhabitants of the Brazilian sertão in his novel Vidas secas. His characters are complex, nuanced, and tend to have pessimistic world views, from which Ramos deals with topics such as the lust for power (the main theme in São Bernardo), misogyny (a key point in Angústia), and infidelity. His protagonists are mostly lower-class men from northeastern Brazil, which are often aspiring writers (such as in Caetés), or illiterate country workers, all of which usually have to deal with poverty and complex social relations.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Like fellow writers Jorge Amado and Erico Verissimo, Ramos was part of Brazil's second generation of modernist writers, in what is known as "1930s modernism". Critics have drawn parallels between some of his work and the Southern Gothic tradition. A lifelong supporter of communist ideas, he was affiliated with the original Brazilian Communist Party. Graciliano Ramos de Oliveira was born...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alfred Lunt — Contemporary (Born in 1892) (1892): Esteemed American actor, celebrated for his stage partnership with Lynn Fontanne.
• Baháʼu'lláh — Contemporary (Died in 1892) (1892): Founder of the Baháʼí Faith, whose teachings emphasize unity and world governance.
• Djuna Barnes — Contemporary (Born in 1892) (1892): American Modernist writer, poet, and artist known for Nightwood.
• Alex Gibney — Contemporary (Born in 1953) (1953): Acclaimed American documentary filmmaker known for investigative works on power and belief.
• Andrew Wiles — Contemporary (Born in 1953) (1953): English mathematician renowned for proving Fermat's Last Theorem.
• Benazir Bhutto — Contemporary (Born in 1953) (1953): Pioneering Pakistani stateswoman, first woman PM in a Muslim-majority nation.
• Abu Bakr — Shared historical date (10-27 · Born) (573): First Rashidun Caliph and esteemed companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Bernie Wrightson — Shared historical date (10-27 · Born) (1948): Master American comic artist celebrated for intricate horror and science fiction illustration.
• Alex Gorsky — Shared historical date (03-20 · Born) (1960): American businessman, former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson.
• B. F. Skinner — Shared historical date (03-20 · Born) (1904): Pioneering behaviorist who developed operant conditioning and radical behaviorism.
• 1892 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1892
• October 27 (10-27) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 27
• 1953 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1953
• March 20 (03-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on March 20