Dom Casmurro

Definition

Dom Casmurro is a novel written by Brazilian author Machado de Assis, published in 1899. It is considered a seminal work in Brazilian literature, exploring themes of jealousy, memory, and the complexities of human relationships through the eyes of the unreliable narrator, Bentinho. The novel reflects the psychological depth and social critique that characterizes much of Assis's work and highlights the broader literary movement in Brazil during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The protagonist, Bentinho, grapples with his feelings of jealousy towards his childhood friend Capitu, leading to obsessive thoughts and a skewed perspective on their relationship.
2. The novel employs a non-linear narrative structure, with frequent flashbacks that reveal Bentinho's memories and the passage of time in a fragmented manner.
3. Capitu's character is famously ambiguous; her perceived infidelity is a source of controversy and debate among readers and critics, showcasing Assis's mastery of complexity in character development.
4. Dom Casmurro is often regarded as a reflection of Brazilian society in the late 19th century, particularly regarding issues of class, gender roles, and social expectations.
5. The title 'Dom Casmurro' can be translated to 'Lord Casmurro,' referring to Bentinho's introspective nature and his tendency to withdraw from social interactions as he becomes consumed by his jealousy.

Review Questions

• How does Machado de Assis utilize the unreliable narrator technique in Dom Casmurro to shape the reader's understanding of Bentinho's character?
  • In Dom Casmurro, Machado de Assis uses Bentinho as an unreliable narrator to create ambiguity and challenge readers’ perceptions of truth. As Bentinho reflects on his life and relationships, particularly with Capitu, his obsessive jealousy distorts his recollections, making it difficult for readers to discern what is real versus what is influenced by his emotional state. This technique invites readers to question the nature of memory and perspective in understanding human relationships.
• Discuss how the themes presented in Dom Casmurro reflect the social context of Brazil during the late 19th century.
  • Dom Casmurro's themes of jealousy, betrayal, and societal expectations mirror the complexities of Brazilian society in the late 19th century. The novel critiques class distinctions and gender roles that were prevalent at the time, as seen through Bentinho’s struggles with his emotions and societal pressures. Additionally, Assis's focus on psychological depth aligns with the Realist movement's objective to portray authentic human experiences within a specific cultural context.
• Evaluate how Capitu’s characterization contributes to ongoing debates about fidelity and perception in literature through Dom Casmurro.
  • Capitu’s characterization is central to the debates surrounding fidelity and perception in literature stemming from Dom Casmurro. Her ambiguous nature leads to conflicting interpretations of her actions throughout the novel, particularly concerning her loyalty to Bentinho. This complexity not only fuels discussions about her fidelity but also highlights how personal biases shape our perceptions of others. The narrative ultimately raises broader questions about trust, reliability, and the subjective nature of reality within relationships.

Related terms

Machado de Assis: A prominent Brazilian writer known for his innovative narrative techniques and psychological insight, often considered one of the greatest writers in the Portuguese language.

Unreliable Narrator: A narrator whose credibility is compromised, often leading to a subjective interpretation of events that raises questions about truth and perception.

Realism: A literary movement that seeks to represent everyday life and society as accurately as possible, often focusing on the lives of middle and lower classes.