Fernando Pessoa - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | June 13, 1888 |
|---|---|
| Died | November 30, 1935 (age 47) |
| Birthplace | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Chinese Zodiac | Rat |
| Known For | Being one of Portugal's greatest poets and for his use of literary heteronyms such as Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, and Álvaro de Campos. |
Intro
Fernando Pessoa was a renowned Portuguese poet, writer, and literary critic, often regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century. Famous for his prolific use of heteronyms—distinct literary alter egos, each with unique biographies, philosophies, and writing styles—Pessoa's work had a profound impact on Portuguese literature and modernism. His most notable heteronyms include Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, and Álvaro de Campos. Pessoa was also interested in esotericism, mysticism, and astrology, often incorporating these themes into his works and the fictional backgrounds of his heteronyms.
Early Life & Background
Fernando Pessoa was born in Lisbon in 1888. After his father's early death, his mother remarried and the family moved to Durban, South Africa, where Pessoa received much of his education in English. He returned permanently to Lisbon in 1905, a move that deeply influenced his literary trajectory. Bilingual from a young age, Pessoa wrote poetry and prose in both Portuguese and English.
Career Highlights
- Published 'Mensagem' (Message), the only book in Portuguese published during his lifetime and awarded Portugal's poetry prize in 1934.
- Developed and published work under over 70 heteronyms, notably Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, and Álvaro de Campos—each with a distinct biography, literary style, and world view.
- Made significant contributions to literary magazines Orpheu and Presença, which shaped the course of Portuguese modernism.
- Recognized posthumously as a foundational figure in Portuguese literature and as an innovator in world poetry.
Trivia
- Pessoa created detailed astrological charts for himself and his principal heteronyms, sometimes assigning them specific birth dates and times.
- Despite his fame today, Pessoa was virtually unknown internationally during his lifetime and much of his work was published posthumously.
- Pessoa was fluent in English and also published numerous works, including poetry, in English.
FAQs
People also ask
When was Fernando Pessoa born?
Fernando Pessoa was born the 13 June 1888.
Where is Fernando Pessoa from?
Lisbon, Portugal.
On His Birth-Day
About June 13th, 1888, in brief:
- Day of the week: June 13th, 1888 was a Wednesday
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini (in western zodiac), Rat (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase: Waxing crescent