CORDEL Meaning and
Definition
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Cordel is a term derived from the Portuguese word "corda," meaning "rope." In its literary context, cordel refers to a popular form of Brazilian folk literature, characterized by small booklets or pamphlets containing stories and verses. These publications are typically written in rhyming verses and adorned with woodcut illustrations, capturing the attention and imagination of their audience.
Cordel literature has its roots in oral tradition and has been an integral part of Brazilian culture for several centuries. The booklets are traditionally sold in public markets, where cordel poets narrate the stories orally in order to attract potential buyers. This combination of spoken and written storytelling has made cordel an immersive and interactive experience for readers and listeners alike.
The themes explored in cordel literature are diverse, ranging from historical events and religious tales to romantic adventures and social commentaries. Through these tales, cordel serves as a platform for expressing societal issues and cultural values, often reflecting the hopes, fears, and dreams of the common people.
Cordel's distinctive characteristics, such as its accessible language, rhythmic verses, and colorful illustrations, contribute to its popularity and appeal across different social classes. The literary form is not only a reflection of Brazilian society but also a means of preserving cultural heritage and transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next.
Despite being deeply rooted in Brazil's cultural history, cordel continues to evolve and adapt in contemporary times, incorporating new themes and styles while maintaining its essence as a unique form of literature.
Common Misspellings for CORDEL
- cardel
- cordal
- cordle
- corral
- curdel
- cordele
- cordell
- kordel
- xordel
- cirdel
- ckrdel
- clrdel
- cprdel
- c0rdel
- c9rdel
- coedel
- cofdel
- cotdel
- co5del
- co4del
Etymology of CORDEL
The word "Cordel" has its origins in the Portuguese language. It comes from "corda", which means "rope" in Portuguese. Cordel refers to a form of popular literature in Brazil, typically small, pamphlet-like books that were originally hung on strings or cords in marketplaces. These literature booklets were often decorated with woodcut illustrations and contained narratives, folk tales, poetry, and songs. The name "cordel" was given to this form of literature because of the practice of hanging them on cords for display.
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