Military dictatorship

Definition

A military dictatorship is a form of government where the military controls the political power, often established after a coup d'état. This type of regime typically suspends constitutional law, restricts civil liberties, and enforces strict order, sometimes justifying their rule as necessary for national stability. In contexts like Brazilian literature, this influence can shape narratives and themes in works by various authors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Brazil experienced a military dictatorship from 1964 to 1985, which was marked by censorship, repression, and human rights abuses.
2. The dictatorship in Brazil led to significant changes in literature, as authors often used allegory and symbolism to critique the regime and express dissent.
3. Machado de Assis, although writing before the dictatorship period, influenced later Brazilian literature that responded to themes of power and authority.
4. Clarice Lispector's works during the dictatorship period often reflected the psychological impact of living under an oppressive regime, exploring identity and existence.
5. Paulo Coelho's narratives can be seen as responding to the historical context of repression, emphasizing personal freedom and transformation despite societal constraints.

Review Questions

• How did the military dictatorship in Brazil affect the themes and styles of literature during that period?
  • The military dictatorship in Brazil led to a surge in literature that employed allegory and symbolism to subtly critique the regime. Writers were often forced to navigate censorship while expressing dissent through complex characters and situations. This environment fostered a rich exploration of identity, freedom, and societal norms as authors sought to articulate the psychological impact of living under authoritarian rule.
• Discuss how Clarice Lispector's writing reflects the societal atmosphere during Brazil's military dictatorship.
  • Clarice Lispector's writing during Brazil's military dictatorship captured the intense psychological struggles of individuals facing oppression. Her characters often grappled with feelings of alienation and existential dread, mirroring the societal atmosphere marked by fear and censorship. Lispector's focus on inner life allowed her to convey the emotional toll of authoritarianism while subtly critiquing the regime's impact on personal freedoms.
• Evaluate how Paulo Coelho's works respond to the legacy of Brazil's military dictatorship in terms of themes of personal freedom.
  • Paulo Coelho's works can be viewed as a response to Brazil's military dictatorship by emphasizing themes of personal freedom, self-discovery, and transformation. His narratives often encourage individuals to pursue their dreams despite societal constraints, reflecting a longing for liberation from oppressive systems. Coelho's ability to weave spiritual quests into his storytelling serves as both a critique of past repression and an affirmation of human resilience in the face of adversity.

Related terms

Coup d'état: An illegal seizure of power from a government, often executed by military forces or political factions.

Authoritarianism: A political system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, where dissent is often suppressed.

Civil-military relations: The interactions and dynamics between civilian government authorities and military leaders, impacting governance and policy-making.