Published in 1900, the year when Eça de Queiroz died, it was first published in the magazine Revista Moderna. The book was not fully published in the magazine, as it closed before the end of the story. Furthermore, the book itself was not revised by the author, who died before being capable of doing it.

Although in a different style when compared to other works of Eça de Queiroz, such as O Primo Basílio or Os Maias, A Ilustre Casa de Ramires is a must-read from the author who brought Realism to Portuguese literature during the 19th century.

The action takes place in northern Portugal, in the fictional Santa Irineia, in Santa Clara, where the events are described with irony, songs, wine and some violent, yet comical, moments. The history narrates the life of Gonçalo Ramires, or better said, Portugal itself.

Gonçalo Mendes Ramires: the Nobleman

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

Gonçalo wants to work in politics, wanting to be a deputy elected by his town and be part of the Parliament. However, even before finding a possible job in the Parliament, he was challenged to write a book about his ancestors, highlighting their glorious acts. Through this challenge, the reader will see more of Gonçalo’s personality and understand how much he wants to honour his ancestors and have the same recognition his family had in the past.


One book, two stories

In the beginning, it may be a little bit confusing to be in touch with two different stories. Eça de Queiroz decided to show us what Gonçalo was writing to publish and, eventually, gain popularity. Usually, the events written by Gonçalo are linked to the experiences the reader has already read about him. While telling the canonical events of Tructesindo Ramires, his medieval ancestor, Gonçalo seems like he is trying to be like his great-grandfather.

Tructesindo is a magnificent hero who has done so much for his country and family. Gonçalo is just an average man, living in a mouldy house, nearly falling apart, just for his status in his town. Tructesindo is a brave man who is not afraid to kill for his glory and honour, while Gonçalo is afraid of people and, sometimes, gets himself into not-so-proper situations.

Is Gonçalo representing Portugal?

It is important to keep in mind that the book was written after the British Ultimatum, when Portugal accepted the United Kingdom's demands regarding territories in Africa. The situation led the Portuguese to discredit the king, saying he was not strong enough to make his position against the British monarchy.

This way, Gonçalo may represent the aristocracy and noble people who were against the king’s decision, aiming to have a strong Portugal, with kilometres of territory. However, besides that wish for territory, they were not doing much, being wealthy without working, living based on taxes paid by the people.

Eça de Queiroz criticises that layer of society that relies on romantic and past moments to linger on a society that is changing. This way, Gonçalo and his friends may be representing what Portugal was at the moment the book was written.

Achieving the best

At some point, Gonçalo achieves 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 ran to the police to make a complaint. However, when Gonçalo made a similar action, which had more severe consequences for the victims, he was applauded and recognised not only by the people of his town but also from other cities, namely Lisbon.


Nevertheless, not as expected, Gonçalo Ramires is not deeply criticised by the author, who at the end of the book sums up what the Nobleman did and how it is merely what Portugal represents. This way, Eça de Queiroz may have suggested that Gonçalo Ramires was just a victim of the system he was living in, which was the real enemy.

Is it worth reading?

In my opinion, this book is a masterpiece. Not as dramatic and hectic as Os Maias, A Ilustre Casa de Ramires has a story that many people would certainly identify with. There are many Gonçalo Ramires everywhere in the world who may only be victims of the system.

I really liked how the book suggests that social status has a major impact on what people do. Showing how easy life can be when people are in a good social position, and with barely any effort, great things are achieved.

Recalling values of honour and even trust, Eça de Queiroz, as usual, made a great work on criticising the Portuguese society.

Author

Deeply in love with music and with a guilty pleasure in criminal cases, Bruno G. Santos decided to study Journalism and Communication, hoping to combine both passions into writing. The journalist is also a passionate traveller who likes to write about other cultures and discover the various hidden gems from Portugal and the world. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos