Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (Oporto, November 6 1919 - Lisbon, July 2 2004) was one of the most important Portuguese poets of the 20th century.

Related Topics:
Oporto - November 6 - 1919 - Lisbon - July 2 - 2004 - Portuguese - Poets - 20th century

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She distinguished herself as a storyteller with Os Contos Exemplares (Exemplary Tales) and was the author of several children's books, including A Menina do Mar (The Sea Girl), O Cavaleiro da Dinamarca (The Knight from Denmark), A Floresta (The Forest), O Rapaz de Bronze (The Brass Boy) and A Árvore (The Tree).

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:"Poetry," she explained, "is my understanding with the universe, my way of relating to things, my participation in reality, my encounter with voices and images. That is why the poem speaks not of an ideal life but of a concrete one: the angle of a window, the resonance of streets, cities and rooms, the shade cast by a wall, a sudden face, the stars? silence, distance and brightness, the night?s breathing, the scent of the linden and of oregano."

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