This article examines the footnotes of literary criticism authored by Antonio Candido in the column 'Notes of literary criticism' in the newspaper Folha da Manhã between 1943 and 1945. It looks to correlate the analytic approach pursued by the critic with his political activism in small left-wing groups and his responsibilities as assistant professor of Sociology Chair II. Finally, the text examines the author's first book, Brigada ligeira (Light brigade), identifying the criteria involved in the selection and organization of the included essays. These criteria are closely associated with the political and professional activities and theoretical principles adopted by Candido during the period
Antonio Candido; Footnote critique; Political activism; Brigada ligeira