Eça de Queirós: Skewering Portugal since 1871

Abstract

I propose to revisit the Queirosian feuilletons As Farpas, originally written with Ramalho Ortigão. I argue that from the perspective of the contemporary reader, the most relevant aspect of these texts, that which guarantees their relevance and effectiveness, is the way in which they construct their hilarious comicality. What makes them unforgettable is the secret of their processes of provoking laughter. This results in two major difficulties for the judicious task of preparing a critical edition, which I have been devoting myself to for some time. On the one hand, we cannot resist the imperative determination to recognize, define and fully enjoy the irresistibly comic dimension of As Farpas. On the other hand, the tasks of formulating, adapting and applying the criteria for establishing the critical text, noting the variations, lapses, editorial and stylistic interventions, etc., all are indispensable. It will be precisely the consideration of these two dimensions of my work that will structure this text.

Keywords:
Eça de Queirós; As Farpas; Humour; Critical Edition