A Ilustre Casa de Ramires: Portugal yesterday, that of tomorrow

Published in 1900, the year of the death of Eça de Queiroz, it was published for the first time in the journal Révista Moderna. The book was not entirely published in the journal, because it ended before the end of the story. In addition, the book itself was not revised by the author, who died before he can do so.

Although his style is different from that of other works by Eça de Queiroz, like O Primo Basílio or Os Maias, A Ilustre Casa de Ramires is an essential work of the author who introduced realism in Portuguese literature of the 19th century.

The action takes place in northern Portugal, in the fictitious city of Santa Irineia, in Santa Clara, where the events are described with irony, songs, wine and some violent but comical moments. The story tells the life of Gonçalo Ramires, or better, Portugal itself.

Gonçalo Mendes Ramires: Le Noble

Last descendant of a noble Portuguese family, Gonçalo Ramires feels the pressure of being the last man in a very important family who has not yet accomplished what a man should accomplish at his age. The young man, known by the population under the name of O Fidalgo (noble), is still single and lives in the family home with the staff of the house, who takes care of him and the horses. Gonçalo’s sister, Gracinha Ramires, married José Barrolo, who lives in another city.

Gonçalo wants to work in politics and wishes to become a deputy elected by his city and be part of the Parliament. However, even before finding a possible job in Parliament, he was challenged to write a book on his ancestors, highlighting their glorious actions. Thanks to this challenge, the reader will discover Gonçalo’s personality more and understand how much he wishes to honor his ancestors and benefit from the same recognition as his family has had in the past.

A book, two stories

At first, it can be a little confusing to be in contact with two different stories. Eça de Queiroz decided to show us what Gonçalo wrote to be published and, possibly, to gain popularity. In general, the events written by Gonçalo are linked to the experiences that the reader has already read about it. By recounting the canonical events of Tructesindo Ramires, his medieval ancestor, Gonçalo seems to try to look like his great-grandfather.

Trucesindo is a magnificent hero who has done so much for his country and his family. Gonçalo is only an ordinary man, living in a moldy house, almost in ruins, just for his status in his city. Trucstesindo is a courageous man who is not afraid to kill for his glory and his honor, while Gonçalo is afraid of people and sometimes puts himself in uncompromising situations.

Does Gonçalo represent Portugal?

It is important to keep in mind that the book was written after the British ultimatum, when Portugal accepted requests from the United Kingdom concerning territories in Africa. This situation led the Portuguese to discredit the king, believing that he was not strong enough to oppose the British monarchy.

Thus, Gonçalo can represent the aristocracy and the nobles who opposed the king’s decision, wishing a strong Portugal, with kilometers of territory. However, in addition to this desire for territory, they did not do much, being rich without working, living taxes paid by the people.

DE DE DE DE QUEIROZ CRUST This layer of society which is based on romantic and spent moments to cling to a changing society. Thus, Gonçalo and his friends perhaps represent what Portugal was when the book was written.

Reach the best

At one point, Gonçalo obtains what he wants, not exactly because he deserves it, but because of his social status. He gained popularity for doing something he had previously suffered and went to the police to file a complaint. However, when Gonçalo did a similar action, which had more serious consequences for the victims, it was applauded and recognized not only by the inhabitants of his city, but also by those of other cities, notably Lisbon.

However, contrary to what we could expect, Gonçalo Ramires is not deeply criticized by the author, who, at the end of the book, sums up what the noble did and how it simply corresponds to what Portugal represents. In this way, Eça de Queiroz may have suggested that Gonçalo Ramires was only a victim of the system in which he lived, who was the real enemy.

Is the book worth reading?

In my opinion, this book is a masterpiece. Less dramatic and hectic than os Maias, has Ilustre Casa de Ramires tells a story with which many people could certainly identify. There are many Gonçalo Ramires all over the world that are perhaps only victims of the system.

I really liked the way the book suggests that social status has a major impact on what people do. It shows how easy life can be when people have a good social position, and barely a few efforts, great things can be made.

By recalling the values ​​of honor and even confidence, Eça de Quiroz, as usual, did an excellent job of criticism of Portuguese society.