Fernando Pessoa’s Metaverse

During the beginning of this year, I had the opportunity to visit Lisbon for the first time. To enhance my experience, I decided to read some books set in Portugal’s capital. The first book I read was Nobel-laureate Jose Saramago’s The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis, which is set in Lisbon in 1936. The titular protagonist, Ricardo Reis, was neither Saramago’s invention nor a historical figure. Reis was one of many “heteronyms” – literary alter-egos – created by Fernando Pessoa, the celebrated modern poet of Portugal. The novel follows Reis through the final year of his life, where he has encounters with the ghost of Fernando Pessoa.

After finishing the novel, I delved into Pessoa: An Experimental Life by Richard Zenith. This 1,000-page tome about a peculiar writer with an “uneventful” life confirmed my suspicion that Pessoa’s significance lies in the uniqueness of his inner world rather than the quality of his writing. Although Pessoa rarely left Lisbon during his lifetime, he explored new worlds within himself, making his life story feel modern and poignant, especially in a time where identity is a complex interplay of masks and veils.

Known for his work The Book of Disquiet, Pessoa’s distinct mode of authorship included creating a host of heteronyms, each with a unique style and biography. Despite his prolific writing, Pessoa was hesitant to publish his works. He left behind a vast archive of incomplete projects, showcasing his status as a “champion unfinisher”. Pessoa’s life may not have been dramatic in the traditional sense, but his impact is evident in his literary legacy and unique approach to self-expression.

Fernando Pessoa’s life was characterized by his close relationship with his heteronyms, who engaged in intellectual debates within his imagination. Pessoa’s pursuit of writing unlocked hidden levels of cosmic architecture, leading him to question the origins of his alter-egos and his own existence. His fascination with esoteric subjects and dedication to unlocking hidden mysteries set him apart as a visionary writer and thinker.