My group and I were tasked to do a close reading on “The Author’s Dedication” section of the novel, which happens to be the very first pages of Hour of the Star. The most interesting part of this section has to be page 9, where it contains the title of the novel all capitalized followed by thirteen other phrases which appear to be titles, one of which is in fact the title Hour of the Star. We had taken quite some time to figuring out what these collection of phrases meant, but we still aren’t yet 100% sure on our findings. But there is one possible theory that does seem convincing. When I was researching on Clarice Lispector for the previous research assignment, I came upon an excerpt from a television show that Lispector was the guest on. In that show she released information that she had completed writing a novel with “thirteen names, thirteen titles”, which happened to be in fact Hour of the Star. There happens to be thirteen titles including Hour of the Star on page 9. If this had any correlation with these possible titles on page 9, than that might mean that these were all titles that Lispector had come up with, and that Hour of the Star was the one she ultimately had chosen to use on the cover. But Clarice Lispector still referred to the book as having thirteen titles, so perhaps in her mind all of those titles are equivalent titles for her novel. Maybe depending on how you read the book, a title from the list will seem more fitting to you compared to the original. With that same quote from Lispector in mind, we thought about the multiple dedications she had listed off on pages 7 and 8. Most of which were musicians, and she had named a total of twelve names. Maybe this is what she was referring to when she stated “thirteen names”, including possibly her own? Based on this passage, all of these musicians and people had affected her, as she stated phrases like “predicts my fate” (Lispector 7), and “who terrifies me and makes me soar in flames” (7). She might have dedicated this novel to not only those musicians, but to herself as well.
Section two begins with the narrator’s philosophy that “Everything in the world began with a yes. One molecule said yes to another molecule and life was born” (11). However, the statement is then followed by a contradiction, in which the narrator says that “I do know that the universe never began” (11), which indicates that the author does not have a clear way in explaining his story. His style of writing is further muddled in this passage, in which he says, “I do not intend to write anything complicated” (13). Here, the author is expressing his point to make the story simple. However, while the story has only progressed for a page, Lispector already presented the story far from simple, which is shown from the numerous complex sentences present in this passage. The complexity of the section shows the ambivalence of the narrator, which indicates that the story to follow will be accompanied with confusion. However, it must be noted that the although “author” or the narrator of this story is said to be Rodrigo S.M., the real author is Clarice Lispector, meaning that she as an author created another author for her story, Hour of the Star. Because Lispector has created Rodrigo as a fictional author, all of the ambivalence of the narration has meaning to the overarching novel. So, when it is stated, “everything in the world began with a yes. One molecule said yes to another molecule and life was born”, the purpose significant to the overall theme of the novel, which can be furthered as readers follow the narrator, Rodrigo, though Macabea’s life.
The section I had to read and annotate from The Hour of the Star was the Author’s Dedication. This section is very interesting. First of all, I noticed that Clarice Lispector included names of twelve different people in her dedication, all but one of which are composers (I am not sure if Clara is a composer also or just the wife of a composer). This shows how Lispector really enjoyed music and it probably impacted her life and writing a tremendous amount. In addition, I noticed that there was a lot of repetition of the phrase “I dedicate” and the word “to”. Both “I dedicate” and “to” are used by Lispector to reveal the numerous people who she dedicated The Hour of the Star to. Because she dedicated this book to so many people, she used “to” instead of “I dedicate” so that it didn’t sound too redundant. The most interesting aspect of the Author’s Dedication is the list of thirteen different book titles. I assume that each of these titles was an option to name the book because The Hour of the Star is on the list. These thirteen titles can perhaps tell readers something more about the novel and be supported by different parts of the book. Lispector writes, “It is an unfinished book because it offers no answer. An answer I hope someone somewhere in the world may be able to provide” (Lispector 8). The reason that Lispector decided to include all of these titles could be because she wants readers to make what they want of the book and ultimately decided the fitting title.
The section my group and I read was section 1 of chapter one. What I found to be interesting was the repeat of life and death. This can be assumed as Lispector's ideas of existentialism. Lispector's ideas on existentialism explain our existence and the history of everything that has happened before our existence. Lispector begins the passage with "Everything in the World began with a yes..." (Lispector 11). She also tells us that the universe never really began. This is how she wishes to convey this confusing and complex ideology to the reader in the most simplistic way possible. Despite her metaphorical analysis of existentialism, she contradicts herself. When she mentions that "I only achieve simplicity with enormous effort" (11) she immediately plays with her intentions, because she also mentions that "I do not intend to write anything complicated, although I am obliged to use the words that sustain you" (13), which this directly contrasts her original intention when she wanted to use enormous effort instead of close to none for the least complicated. Back to the motif of life and death, she also comments on the use of death being, "death appears to comment on life" (12) saying that every event that has ever happened in history and prehistory and before anything started is both relevant and irrelevant. Both real and unreal. She must "...record the preceding events" (12) to document what has happened, so it is sort of a confirmation of history. Also, back to contradictions, Listpector says "...we are all one and the same person..." (12), however she brings her ego and selfishness when she says that she is "...one of the more important" (13) characters in her novella, however in the novella she isn't a character. However one may argue that her documentation of her story makes her one of the more important characters, because it comes from her point of view and imagination.
The passage my group was assigned to read was the author's dedication. The reason I raised my hand for this one was because I am so interested in the different titles. Much like the book, which poses many questions but offers no single, definitive answer, Lispector refuses to settle on one single, definitive title. The first thing that pops out when looking at the title page is Clarice’s signature in the middle of the page rather than an “or”, this is something that I think holds a lot of significance but I can’t figure out why she does this. Some of the titles include suggestions of self-mockery, and there are strongly comic events that show the girl is naive. Another odd title is “.As for the Future.” The beginning of this title starting with a period signifies that there is neither a beginning nor end. “Singing the Blues” also holds significance to me because there are so many references to music in this novel. For example, there are 12 composers mentioned in the author’s dedication. Schumann, Clara, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, Debussy, Marlos Nobre, Prokofiev, Carl Orff, and Schoenberg. When mentioning Stravinsky she writes, “who terrifies me and makes me soar in flames” (7). This might be a reference to one of Stravinsky’s famous compositions and Ballets, Firebird. Firebird is a ballet based off of Russian fairy tales of a magical glowing bird that can be both a blessing and a curse to its owner. The relationship of the bird and its owner is similar to the relationship between “The girl” and the narrator. The only composition that is clearly laid out for the reader is Death and Transfiguration by Strauss she writes, “ Death and Transfiguration in which Richard Strauss predicts my fate’ (7). The music depicts the death of an artist. Clarice writing this might be a subtle hint to readers showing that she did know she was dying while writing this book.
These are the three questions I chose to answer: 1. What was Lispector’s purpose in writing this book? What is the theme? 10. What is the point of Rodrigo’s introduction? 12. What is the significance of Rodrigo’s use of syntax?
I think that Lispector’s point in writing this book was to reveal her beliefs around existentialism and different aspects of life. The main idea or theme that is present throughout the novel is the consciousness of existence. In the Author’s Dedication, Lispector writes, “one cannot prove the existence of what is most real but the essential thing is to believe” (Lispector 8). She is saying that she is conscious that there are things in the universe that cannot be seen with the human eye, but that does not mean that they are not real. As soon as the book starts, Lispector writes, “if this history does not exist, it will come to exist” (11). This sentence is a bit confusing but I think she is trying to say that the history will eventually exist once people are conscious of it and believe that it does in fact exist.
Rodrigo’s introduction is very interesting. He talks about how he is going to tell the story instead of jumping right into the story like a normal book would do. This idea goes back to the experimental novel and how the narrator is fictional and is aware that he is a character. Lispector writes, “the story...should have some seven characters, and obviously I am one of the more important” (13). In this sentence, he states that he thinks he is one of the more important characters in the novel, which is quite interesting due to the fact that the story really is not about him. I also think that this intro is used to introduce the ideas/themes of existentialism and existence.
Throughout the book, Rodrigo uses very strange punctuation. First of all, he uses dashes when people are talking instead of quotation marks and he does not include the name of the person who says each line. Lispector writes, — Why do you have to tell me so many lies? — I swear it, may my mother drop dead if it isn’t true! This reference is from page 56 and shows Rodrigo’s use of dashes in conversations. This also goes along with the experimental novel idea where the author experiments with a different writing style as well as different punctuation. He also writes, “(bang)” throughout the book in seemingly odd places. He uses “(bang)” right before a big event happens that evokes a new emotion or characteristic in Macabéa. For example before she dies, Lispector writes, “Destiny (bang) swift and greedy, whispered: now, quickly, for my hour has come!” (79). Moments after this, Macabéa gets fatally hit by a car. It’s almost like the “(bang)” is being used to foreshadow.
3. Was Macabea happy? Are we meant to feel sorry for her? If she is self-content, is she so pitiful after all? I believe Macabea was a happy individual. As Rodrigo S.M. had put it, she “... is so simple minded that she often smiles at other people on the street” (Lispector 16). Her life, contrary to ours or Rodrigo’s, is very simple and black and white. She is incapable of understanding the severity of the situation that she is in. Simple actions such as listening to the radio, or taking a day off from work brings Macabea great joy, which is mind boggling to us considering how mundane some of the things in life that give Macabea happiness. In this aspect she is similar to a young child. Based on the narrator Rodrigo S.M. statements such as, “It is true that I, too, feel no pity for my main character, the girl from the North-east: I want my story to be cold and impartial” (Lispector 13), I do not believe we are meant to feel sorry for her. Writers and actors normally become connected and attached to their characters, as they learn to think and act like them in order to act or write accordingly. Interestingly enough though, Rodrigo S.M. does not want to be emotionally attached to his character, so it begs the question why should we? All throughout the novel Rodrigo S.M. picks and examens her and her actions like she is some sort of specimen. He dehumanizes her and desensitizes us as the readers. It seems as though we are meant to look at Mccabe's life as if we are analyzing something in a science lab, rather than looking at her as a human being. I do not think that just because she is self-content, she is not pitiful. On the other hand, I believe that it makes her appear more pitiful, because of the fact that she is happy with such a horrible life. Even the narrator mocks her for satisfied disposition given her situation, and is confused at times because of it.
11. Is Rodrigo the protagonist of this novel? Or is it Macabea? In my opinion I believe the protagonist of the novel is in fact Rodrigo. One of the main reasons why this is considered an experimental novel is the fact that the narrator, Rodrigo, is the writer of the story, and you get to know him as you read lines and lines of him developing, considering, and questioning events and actions that Macabea and the other characters commit. Rodrigo even stated, “The story - I have decided with an illusion of free will - should have some seven characters, and obviously I am one of the more important” (Lispector 13). Rodrigo considers himself a character in his own novel, such as the ones he is writing about, while also suggesting that he is the most important out of all of them. When I first read this book during the summer, it was confusing and even head throbbing to read. Never have I read a book with a narrator that talks to you in such a way. It’s as if you are reading the story alongside another individual, and he/she is telling you what they feel and think all throughout the story. You become less interested in Macabea and her story, and you begin to shift your focus to Rodrigo and his, wondering why he thinks the way he thinks, and what was the reason to share this story of Macabea in the first place.
-Blog #2 continued (Would not let me post it as one because of length)- 17. What other questions would you like the class to discuss? One question that I would like the class to discuss, is the constant juxtaposition of scientific facts, and beliefs that seem more religious. An example of this can be seen in the dedication portion of the novel where Clarice Lispector states, “And we must never forget that if the atom’s structure is invisible, it is none the less real. I am aware of the existence of many things I have never seen. And you too. One cannot prove the existence of what is more real but the essential thing is to believe” (Lispector 8). The first sentence from that quote seems like quite the scientific point of view, where things that we know for certain exist are in fact present, although it might be not be obvious to us. But the remainder of the quote however seems like it is from a more religious point of view. The way that Lispector words this makes it seem like she is talking about science versus God and religion when she states “cannot prove the existence of what is more real”, and that it is just important to have faith. Was Lispector having internal conflict between the ideas of existentialism, and the ideas of religion? Was she using this media as a way to bring out her division between the two?
2. What is the significance of the beginning, where Rodrigo talks about the beginning of the world? How does that relate to the rest of the story? The introduction to this story seems very confusing and unconventional, but it actually does have significance in the story. In my opinion, Lispector’s purpose for the beginning of the novel and mentioning how the world began was to communicate how everything is interconnected and many things do not happen on purpose. When Lispector wrote, “All the world began with a yes” (3), Lispector communicated that there is rarely a purpose behind actions. This message is extremely applicable to the life of Macabea. It is extremely evident that she lives an extremely undesirable life. The principles that Lispector communicated in the beginning of the story works to develop the idea that Macabea’s life is due to a combination of circumstances that are not necessarily in her control.
4. Why do you think Macabea “loved” Olimpico There are many reasons why Macabea loved Olimpico despite his severe mistreatment of her. Most importantly, she might have loved Olimpico due to the fact that he gave her some form of attention. Early in the novel, Rodrigo communicates that “nobody wants her, she’s a virgin and harmless, nobody would miss her.” (6). This makes the reader feel that Macabea may be desperate for an form of affection despite that it may not be a healthy relationship. Throughout the relationship, it is evident that Macabea is infatuated with the idea of having a companion. When describing Olimpico, she says, “’She thought Olimpico knew a lot of things” (43). This shows how she doesn’t care that he treats her like dirt, but she loves him because he gives her attention, no matter how negative it is.
11. Is Rodrigo the protagonist of this novel? Or is it Macabea? In Hour of the star, readers can debate who is the protagonist or main character in the story: Rodrigo or Macabea. In my opinion, they are both the protagonist because Macabea is just an extension of Rodrigo. Rodrigo, who is the author of Macabea’s story created her and invents her story. Although it is unconventional to think of a character as a part of the author, I feel this was communicated through Rodrigo’s extreme insight into her character and his fondness for her. He says, “Only I, her author, love her. I suffer for her.” (19). This illustrates how Lispector wanted to highlight the emotional connection between these two characters. Macabea is a reflection of Rodrigo and for this reason, they are both the protagonist.
2. What is the significance of the beginning, where Rodrigo talks about the beginning of the world? How does that relate to the rest of the story? The beginning when Rodrigo talks about the beginning of the world is super interesting, because it poses a great argument about existentialism. Rodrigo mentions a few times of scientific references and philosophical references to the meaning of life. That death is ultimately the time in which defines one's existence on earth. This is shown in the novel with Macabea's death; as her death coming from a somewhat boring and meaningless life, proves Macabea's life to be tragic, however still holds a meaningless depiction. When Rodrigo contemplates whether or not the story he is telling is his "...coagulation..." (Lispector 11), which is basically his life story; will be relevant or not. So directly compared to Macabea, Rodrigo is asking himself if his death's story will prove his existence, even when Macabea's proved to be somewhat meaningless. Overall, the beginning is a tool in discussing Lispector's opinion on existentialism, as it was both there but not, and that everyone has a place, yet everyone is so meaningless.
7.What does Macabéa’s death represent? How does it fit in with the overall message of the book? Macabea's death proves to be an example of our existence on earth. Which is in all respect, meaningless. In the beginning of the novella, Rodrigo brings up this motif of "...molecules..." (11), which are so small compared to other organisms and objects. Ultimately I believe that the molecule example is a symbol for Macabea's life (and death). Her existence was pre-arranged, but her meaning on life was not justified until after her death. However it proved to be meaningless, so is anyone's life actually valid? Or are we living in a fantasy where nothing is real?
8. What is the significance of dying a virgin? First off, I have to ask this question. Why do we exist? Do we ultimately exist to give ourselves away to producing offpring that will keep out species going on and thriving? Are we merely existing to give into this plan we have for our lives? What exactly is the plan? Is every action we take meaningless in our lives, and the only action that matters is whether we create sons or daughters, and if they produce sons or daughters, is that their meaning of existence? I believe that the significance of dying a virgin, especially in Macabea's case, is an example of her overall appeal to others. She is considered a "virgin" because she doesn't seem to be cared of and loved by others. I believe that dying a virgin means that the person has not fulfilled their existence on earth. However, based on Lispector's beliefs and intentions, aren't we all virgins? Who really cares about you to the point that you are not one but two people? Exactly. So everyone is lonely and in their own world, while others just distract us from accomplishing our meaning on earth.
1. Though it is popular belief that Clarice Lispector did not know she was going to die while writing The Hour of the Star, I don't believe it. I don’t, because Lispector died of cancer and had to have been diagnosed around the time she was writing this novel. I believe that Lispector’s purpose in writing this novel was to get her final thoughts out to the public before it was too late. Lispector says it herself, "one day she would surely die as if she had already learned by heart how to play the starring role. For at the hour of death you become a celebrated film star …" (63). Lispector is clearly stating that everything about a person becomes much more valuable and cherished once they have died. Knowing this Lispector purposely chose this novel to be her last; knowing her words would be deeply cherished and read over many times. Also, with this in mind Lispector uses The Hour of the Star to shed light on the brutal lives of the impoverished living in Rio. In the introduction Lispector goes on and on about the girl. At one point she writes, “…it’s my obligation to tell about this one girl out of the thousands like her…”(5). This statement shows the reader that Macabea is just one out of thousand also living miserable lives filled with maltreatment and disadvantage. This brings attention to the issue of the pay gap in Rio and brings about ripples of change for the disadvantaged. beyond the complex abstractions and Major Questions, the text also offers an important social commentary about the gap between the haves and the have-nots. However, the real story of this poor, starving girl desperate for love and attention does not just show a specific scenario, it shows the real story of millions of others just like her in the world.
8. Dying a virgin can symbolize many things, purity, innocence, religion, discipline, etc. Lispector highlights the fact that Macabea is a virgin multiple times in this book. Dying a virgin can show that Macabea was young when she died. Virginity is mainly a sign of purity and in this case discipline. Macabea’s aunt had always told Macabea, while growing up to stay away from sex and she fulfils her duty. Macabea dying a virgin also shows how little society cared for her. Lispector makes this clear when she writes, “one never forgets a person with whom one has slept” (9). Macabea was not remembered or important in anyone's life because she never had a romantic relationship with anyone. Being a virgin is not something Macabea or the narrator hides, Macabea even says it herself “I am a typist and a virgin, and I like coca-cola" (35). When asking herself “Who am I” this is all she could come up with to define herself which shows that she has little knowledge about herself and also shows a lack of importance she holds in the world that even she can see. Lastly, dying a virgin shows how little world experience Macabea has and how innocent she truly is.
15. In Latin American culture, specifically Brazil, they take money and beauty very seriously and often use both against people. Usually, if you are poor you are considered ugly. For example in Brazilian slang a nose considered wider and non-European is described as a 'poor person's nose'. Brazilian culture is very materialistic, especially for girls. However, american culture is no better. I think in terms of social ranking, due to Macabea’s poverty she would be viewed by people the same way in both cultures. However, in Brazil poverty is more common, since she is surrounded by poverty and lives all around it, it is easier for her to accept her fate and instead focus on other small pleasures in life rather than how people view her.
Biblical Allusions “I want to experience at least once the insipid flavor of the Host. To eat communion bread will be to taste the world’s indifference” (Lispector 19). The Host or the Heavenly Host is referenced 23 times and refers to an army of angels in the Bible. The Host can also be a reference to communion bread, which makes more sense in this context. In Christianity, Communion bread symbolizes the Resurrected Christ. I think Rodrigo is saying that to practice Christianity is to be a part of the indifference that most of the world has.
“The one thing she had was fate” (Lispector 25). Faith is one of the most important aspects of the bible. Without faith, religion is merely an idea. In this part of The Hour of the Star, Rodrigo is explaining how Macabéa has faith even though she was unhappy. She does not need to have faith in anything particular, it is faith itself that has given her grace.
“She prayed but without God. She did not know Him, therefore He did not exist” (Lispector 34). Praying is a ritual that most religions practice. The goal of praying is to create a relationship with God. That being said, it is very ironic that Macabéa prays without God because it defeats the purpose of praying in the first place. I also thought it was ironic how Lispector decided to write the second part, “She did not know Him, therefore He did not exist,” because in the Author’s Dedication she writes, “I am aware of the existence of many things I have never seen...the essential thing is to believe”. If Lispector thinks that you must believe in things you cannot see, why would she write this passage?
“May the Gods never decree that I should write about a leper, for then I should become covered in leprosy” (Lispector 39). Leprosy is said to be one of the oldest diseases to ever have infected humans. This disease is a skin infection that was once incurable, so it was very severe. It was said that one who got leprosy was ultimately being punished by the gods. One who has leprosy is excluded from the community. This being said, Rodrigo is almost ashamed that he is writing about this pathetic girl and thinks that he is becoming someone who doesn’t fit in with society as well.
“She was so excited when he gave it to her that she said three Our Fathers and two Hail Marys to recover her composure” (Lispector 60). Both of these allusions are to prayers from the Bible. The statement “Our Father” refers to a verse from the Bible, Mathew 6:9, that states, "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” One is supposed to pray using the phrase “Our Father” to refer to God. In this context in The Hour of the Star, Macabéa is happy that Olímpico gives her a photograph of himself, so she prays or praises God three times. Not only does she say, “Our Father,” she also says, “Hail Mary,” twice. Hail Mary refers to another prayer from the Bible that calls for our mother to pray for us. Once again, she uses this to try to “recover her composure”.
1) "details that laboriously stem from me only to return to me; the craft of carpentry" (14). Carpentry is building a new purpose for something that previously had none. During his time on earth, Jesus took up the career of a carpenter. Of course, the career also reflected him as a person and what he largely wished to do. Once he was able to access the people, he helped give purpose to others who were walking around blindly and needed his direction. The author in turn, is doing the same thing for Macabea, and by writing her story is giving her a purpose.
2) "Madame Carlota pointed at the coloured print on the wall which represented the Sacred Heart of Jesus in red and gold" (72). Most Catholic churches are built in the shape of a cross to mimic the place where Jesus was hanged. By having a whole building, and a strategically placed area that designates "the Sacred Heart of Jesus" followers can more closely feel a connection with Jesus. Instead of a building in which people can stand however, Madame Carlota only has a picture of the heart of Jesus. In contrast, the picture can almost make a person feel farther away from him than closer. Instead of being something tangible, the person instead has to trust the concepts of intangibility. The colors red and gold around the heart signify the idea that the only way to truly be accepted by those supposedly doing Jesus' good work, is through money or through shedding blood. This further accentuates the gap between rich and poor, and emphasizes its theme.
3) “The land of Alagoas had opened in gaping cracks” (80). When Lispector describes, “gaping cracks” I automatically imagined the land parting in two. In the bible, there is a story concerning the parting of the red sea. Moses parts the red sea to evoke change and combat injustice, just as Macabea’s death is an act that sparks the ideas of injustice in the Brazilian society.
4) “Jesus lost no time in helping me set up a brothel with my friend” (72). Most would see it as very ironic that someone who sells their body for money could identify so closely with a follower of Jesus. However, Jesus himself was supposedly in love with a girl who was a prostitute herself- Mary Magdalene.
5) “The bells were ringing without making any sound” (85). Right after Macabea’s death, the bells toll. Bells have a significance in church, to call those to worship. Generally, right after the bells ring, followers repent before the actual service starts. As Macabea’s body lays there, people watch over. The silence of the bells tolling indicates Macabea’s last desperate attempts for those around her to finally see. However, repenting is only the first step. Apologizing can never erase, it can only soothe.
“I am the only person who finds her charming. As the author, I alone love her” (27). Throughout the Bible, Jesus shows kindness and compassion to he or she who is suffering, and loves everyone from the prostitute to the widow. To be an author, is to be God, creating worlds, directing events and giving life. In her quiet, contemplative moments, when in need of guidance or assistance, to whom should Macabéa pray? To Rodrigo S.M., her Father who is in His Study, scribbling lines. Her life is in His hands. And, yet, His is in hers also; they sustain each other. Without her we would not know Rodrigo S.M.; if she dies, so does He; her disappearance necessitates His; her end, is His. In this passage, Rodrigo represents God and the infinite love that God has for all of his creations. Rather than Macabéa being a creation of God, she is a creation of Rodrigo.
"Eating the Host will be tasting the flavorlessness of the world" (11). This relates to communion, the host being the body of Christ. The bread being flavorless represents the bland society that Macabea lives in where conforming to religion is the norm. Religion is a colorful idea but when everyone gets involved and people start to dictate ideas religious practices become black and white and distract people from the colors of the world and therefore living turns bland.
"Macabéa, Hail Mary, full of grace, serene land of promise, land of forgiveness, the time must come, ora pro nobis" (82) . Ora pro nobis is a Latin phrase that means, pray for us. 'Serene land of promise' and 'land of forgiveness' are both references to Heaven. Here again we see Macabea compared to the figure that every women is compared to in her society, even in her time of death. Women in her society, rich or poor, are always held to an impossible standard one can never reach.
“I see that she vomited a little blood, vast spasm, essence at last touching essence: victory!” (75). “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 16 v. 54-55 In the Bible the apostle Paul writes, “death is swallowed up in victory” however this is the opposite for Macabea who, rather than swallowing, is spewing it out. Her victory is not in overcoming death, like it is in the bible, her victory is found in the glorified circumstance of her death.
“She clung to a thread of self-consciousness and mentally repeated over and over: I am, I am, I am. Who she was, was what she didn’t know. She’d gone to seek in the very deep and black core of her self the breath of life that God gives us” (74). In the bible God refers to himself as “I am” That is the way one calls himself God. “the breath of life that God gives us” is an allusion to Adam in the story Adam and Eve when God breathes life into the dust to create Adam.
“One day, I’ll be a rich man - he rejoined grandly, convinced the he was a demon of power: the strength bleeding in his young limbs” (Lispector 45) A demon, or also called a fiend, is a supernatural, often malevolent being prevalent in religion such as Christianity. A demon is also believed to be a spiritual entity that may be conjured and controlled. By having Olympico believe he was a “a demon of power”, it is a suggestion that his intentions, and morality is dark and evil. This is the opposite to his girlfriend, Macabea, however, as she is she is not concerned with money or greed, let alone have a strong concept of it. This is a possible foreshadow to their upcoming breakup, as clearly these two individuals do not have much in common. Demons can also attempt to make that said person kill themselves in one way or another by the result of hauntings. It can be seen that Olympico was haunting Macabea, and because of that it had caused the following events, that eventually lead to her death.
“As I said before, she had no guardian angel. But she made the best of things” (Lispector 62) Based on the Bible, a guardian angel is an angel that is assigned to protect and guide a person. Belief in guardian angels can traced all the way back to the 5th century. It is said that every soul was assigned a guardian angel the moment it was put into a body. By means of an angel, God is said to introduce suggestions as well as images, leading a person to do what is right. By stating that Macabea had no guardian angel, Rodrigo is suggesting to the reader that she had no soul to begin with. This might be a reason as to why Macabea does not have the same reasoning, and emotion as anyone else in the novel, and that she is infact not living. Because of this, Macabea had no one looking out for her, no one to protect her from danger or from herself. This might be as to why she dies suddenly, and less dramatically compared to characters from other novels.
“Madame Carlota pointed at the coloured print on the wall which represented the Sacred Heart of Jesus in red and gold” (Lispector 72) The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart, that is shining with the light of the divine, pierced by the lance-wound, encircled by the crown of thorns, with a cross placed on top, and bleeding. These wounds and also the crown of thorns allude to the manner of the death of Jesus, while fire represents the transformative power of divine love. This symbol ultimately represents Christ’s sacred humanity. Perhaps by having Madame Carlota hang this depiction on her wall, it not only suggests that she was a religious individual that beloved in God, but also that she herself believes that the work that she is doing is a similar act of humanity compared to that of Jesus. This symbol might also be a foreshadow to Macabea’s death, as it alludes to Jesus’ death with the crown of thorns and cross.
“Macabea, Hail Mary, full of grace, serene land of promise. Land of forgiveness, the time has come, ora pro nobis” (Lispector 82) The Hail Mary, is a traditional Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is the mother of Jesus. For Roman Catholics, The Hail Mary is the essential element of the Rosary, which is a prayer method in use especially among Western Catholics. It is also important to note that the phrase “ora pro nobis” is latin for pray for us. By stating this, Rodrigo is essentially giving his final prayer to Macabea, before he kills her off. This is quite interesting, considering that at the beginning of the novel he stated that he would be cold unemotional when telling the story. But by praying for Macabea here, it shows that he in fact has become emotionally connected to this person he has created, and that he had failed to follow his own rules. Because that no one in Macabea’s life has cared about her at all, Rodrigo has decided upon himself that he will care about her before her passing.
“Things are ever vesperal and if she is not dying now, then like us, she has reached vigil of death” (Lispector 83) In Christianity, especially that of Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, a vigil is often held when someone is gravely ill or in mourning. Prayers are said and votives are often made. Vigils extend from eventual death to burial, ritualistically to pray for a loved one, but mostly so that their body is never left alone. By stating this, Rodrigo is suggesting that we the readers, as well as him the narrator, are both grieving for Macabea and the injuries she has sustained, considering her life from start to finish as she slowly dies on the street helplessly. He also states that if she is no longer dying from her injuries, that she is now dead, and that we are now grieving for her death.
Throughout The Hour of the Star, Rodrigo constantly dehumanizes Macabéa. Lispector writes, “(It’s as good as saying that a healthy dog is worth more.)” (Lispector 35). Rodrigo is dehumanizing Macabéa by comparing her to dog. Not only is he comparing her to an animal, he is saying that a healthy dog is worth more than her, making her seem very insignificant. Lispector is trying to show how the urban world values the wealthy more than the poor. Later in the novel Lispector writes, “Macabéa was undeniably a primitive creature while Olímpico de Jesus saw himself as a man about town, the type of man for whom all doors open to” (46). Not only does Rodrigo dehumanize Macabéa by using the term “primitive creature,” he is also comparing her to Olímpico. Olímpico is a man with more money than Macabéa. Because Olímpico is a male and has more wealth, he is seen as a more valuable person with more opportunities in life. Lispector could be trying to make the statement that in urban society, men are seen as more powerful than women. Lispector also uses the concept of dehumanization when macabéa is talking to Olímpico and says, “Forgive me, but I don’t believe that I am all that human” (48). In this instance, Macabéa is actually dehumanizing herself saying that she does not even think she is a human being. This reveals how the social norms and perception of society rub off and shape Macabéa’s perception of herself. She does not feel like she is human because of how people treat her life she’s worthless. To criticize her even more, after Macabéa tries to sing, Olímpico says, “You look like a deaf-mute trying to sing” (51). The little things like this comment lower Macabéa’s self confidence, making her feel belittled. These constant disrespectful remarks show how little of a significance poor women were in society. In addition, Olímpico asks, “What makes you think that you’ve got the face or the body to become a film star?” (53). After he asks her this, Macabéa asks, “Am I really so awful?” and this shows how she listens to the comments of people and questions herself. People are brainwashing her to think she is not a human because of the fact that she is poor. When talking about Macabéa Rodrigo says, “She was a lost cause. And even sadness was the privilege of the rich, of those who could afford it” (61). He is saying that because she is poor, she does not deserve to be sad. That seems a bit ironic because if one does not have a lot, you would think he/she would be the sad one. This is yet another example of the dehumanizing tendency of Rodrigo. Part of the reason why Macabéa does not have much emotion is because she has taken so much verbal abuse from her peers. This constant criticism from males, both Rodrigo and Olímpico show how men were thought to be superior to women and how wealth often determined how much of a “human” one was.
Through the entire novel of The Hour of the Star, Rodrigo constantly attempts to dehumanize Macabea as a human being to himself, and to the readers. As a result there are countless examples that show Rodrigo’s cold temperament towards his main character, Macabea. One example of which can be seen on page 60 where Olimpico says, “Macabea, you’re like a hair in one’s soup. It’s enough to make anyone lose their appetite. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but you might as well know the truth. Are you offended?” (Lispector 60). Here Macabea is compared, and even suggested to be “like a hair in one’s soup”, which objectifies here and demeans her. Rather than being a human being that means something, Macabea is something that people have no positive feelings for, and only see her as an annoyance based on this statement. This ideology can be linked to some in society, where the poverty-stricken individuals are seen as useless waste in the community (like hair in soup), and is only seen as an annoyance that degrades the rest of society. On the same page, Rodrigo added one point about Macabea, writing, “I forgot to mention that Macabea had one unfortunate trait: she was sensual How there could be so much sensuality in a body as withered as hers, without her even suspecting its presence?” (Lispector 60). How could being a sensual human being, be something negative? Perhaps in Rodrigo’s eyes Macabea was born to suffer and be dull, but yet she lives with strong emotions and doesn't realize that fact to Rodrigo’s amazement. Another example can be seen in one of Macabea’s conversations with her coworker Gloria, in in which she states, “Have you taken leave of your senses, girl? What are you up to, wearing all that war-paint?... Excuse me asking: is it painful being ugly?” (Lispector 62). By referring to the makeup Macabea has on as “war paint”, it dehumanizes her in a sense that she is not a woman that can wear makeup and look good, but would rather look like a vicious monster because of it. The question that follows is a direct insult to her looks, and is essentially one small step less than openly calling her ugly. When Macabea was thanking the fortune teller after her visit, “Macabea planted a resounding kiss on Madame Carlota’s rouged cheek… As a little girl, because she had no one to kiss, she often used to kiss the wall. Embracing the wall was like embracing herself” (Lispector 78). Rodrigo’s decision to include this detail is interesting, because it showed Macabea’s life as a child. This dehumanizes her in a different way than the rest, as shows that she had no one to show her affection, something that young children need. Because of this, she is not like the “others” in that respect. She could be labeled as weird because of it as well, despite the saddening circumstance. One other example of Macabea being dehumanized while in a conversation with Olimpico, is when he comments, “At least you know that you’re called Macabea? That’s true. But I don’t know what’s inside my name. The only thing I know for certain is that I’ve never had much to offer…” (Lispector 56). Here she admits her feelings that she has towards herself, and that she feels that she is useless. This goes back to my previous sentence about the ideology towards the poor, in that they have nothing to contribute, and this statement of her’s goes with that. In this instance it seems as though she is in fact dehumanizing herself. Another example that goes with this as well is located on page 51, where Rodrigo states, “Olimpico concerned himself with important things but Macabea only noticed unimportant things such as herself” (Lispector 51). This blunt and fairly rude comment not only dehumanizes Macabea as a person, but also encourages readers to make fun of her as well, a similar phenomena when bullies engage in bullying first, then get help from others as a reassurance.
Clarice Lispector uses every opportunity she can to dehumanize the poor Macabea. Not only does Rodrigo dehumanize Macabea, Macabea even dehumanizes herself. When “He” is talking to Macabea he says, “He - Why the fuss? Aren’t you a human being? Human beings talk about other human beings. She - forgive me, but I don’t believe that I am all that human” (48). He then goes on to correct her saying that everyone is human but she argues back. She is clearly laying out here that she doesn’t look at herself as a human. While she could be trying to say she is even better than a human, like a God, with background information the readers can assume that she thinks much less of herself rather than higher. She again shows her lack of confidence when she says, “I am a typist and a virgin, and I like coca-cola” (35). This is yet another quote were Macabea is talking herself down. While she is not clearly dehumanizing herself, she is in a way. She makes it sound as though every morning when she wakes up, she has to re-remember who she is. And she doesn't do it by saying, "I'm Macabéa; a fun-loving, happy person with an amazing family." Instead, she identifies herself with outside, materialistic things. "Typist." Macabéa very much defines herself with her job, even though she is not very good at it. "Virgin." She secondarily defines herself by her relationship status. Which is non-existent. "I like coca-cola." this shows the reader she is a consumer. Like many people Macabea defines herself by what she likes to buy. Macabea not being able to identify herself with personal traits shows the readers that Macabea does not live her life to the fullest, she does not thrive off of others or herself, and she does not even seem to know who she is. This is dehumanizing because while it shows Macabea to be a physical human being it also shows her empty on the inside, objectifying her to nothing but a hollow outline of a human, and at that point, is she really human at all? However Lispector doesn’t only have Macabea to dehumanize herself, she also uses characters in the book like Rodrigo, “The girl didn’t know she existed, just as a dog doesn’t know that it’s a dog” (27). Here Rodrigo dehumanizes Macabea twice in one sentence. First by telling the readers that she isn’t even aware that she exist and then again right after by comparing her to a dog. When comparing Macabea to Olimpico, Rodrigo writes, “Olimpico concerned himself with important things but Macabea only noticed unimportant things such as herself” (51). Here Rodrigo uses other characters to show how little of a human Macabea is. The end of the sentence Lispector uses very harsh, quick diction to really exemplify how unimportant she truly is in others eyes. Rodrigo blantly belittles her again when he writes, “As a little girl, because she had no one to kiss, she often used to kiss the wall. Embracing the wall was like embracing herself” (78). This time Rodrigo compares her to a wall. A wall isn’t just a random object, it is one of the most boring, lifeless things someone could be compared to. Macabea going to a wall for such an intimate thing like kissing is unusual because a wall is not something people often go to seeking comfort or warmth, a wall is an object that is looked at to be such a cold, bare, bland thing. A wall is such a concrete thing with one purpose, to be a wall. Sure, people can hang things up on it and paint it but at the end of the day it is nothing more than a cold inanimate object. Rodrigo using this object to talk about Macabea illustrates the cold, bland person that she is, if a person at all.
Lastly we see neither, Macabea nor Rodrigo dehumanizing her, we see Olimpico, her boyfriend even doing it. When she tries to sing for the very first time he says to her, “-You look like a deaf-mute trying to sing. Your voice is like a broken reed” (51). Olimpico is not even allowing her to try new things, she suddenly posses the courage to take a chance and let her song be heard and he immediately brings her down. Music is one of the most human things, it is universal, every culture enjoys music. He criticises her desire to take part in such a joyful, human experience. In taking away her rights to enjoy the little things in life he dehumanizes her illustrating to the readers that she is nothing more than a fragile object.
(Sorry I am posting my Biblical post right now, I was at competition this weekend in Tacoma)
"...for were I to touch the girl's bread, that bread would turn to gold..." (15) For this I found two possible biblical references. First of all, I thought of the story in the bible of when Jesus turned water into wine, however I also thought of the story of when he made bread accessible to feed many people. I am still contemplating this reference, but I do believe that is the basis of the meaning.
"Prayer was a means of confronting myself in silence away from the gaze of others. As I prayed I emptied my soul- and this emptiness is everything that I can ever hope to possess...-to my mystery" (14). Based on our conversations back in the last unit, this was a striking paragraph in the novella. Personally, I believe religion is the key and tool to find one's existence on earth. Therefore, Rodrigo is using religion and prayer to seek his existence, even when he claimed to be unsure what an origin of something/body truly came from. This isn't a true biblical reference, but I find it interesting, as it contemplates his ideas behind the story, and finding himself.
"Meantime, I want to walk naked or in rags; I want to experience at least once the insipid flavour of the Host....sentiments from the past" (19). We can interpret this passage as one that is a symbol for Jesus or finding enlightenment. Hence the representation of rags. Before Jesus's death, he wore little to no clothing, and reflected on his life. Also, along with the rest of the passage, the mention of "immerse myself in nothingness" can be a representation of how he believes that life is meaningless, but can also symbolize how he is looking for a meaning. This is confusing, but it all is based on how one interprets it.
"...I read the story of the old man who was afraid to cross the river" (21) Okay, this one is super vague, but this particular sentence can relate to the biblical story of Jesus walking on water. In the bible, it explains that fishermen (I think) wanted to cross a river, but then they saw Jesus. He told them to trust him, and they could walk, and they believed him and the miracle in which they walked on water happened. Again, this is barely relating to the sentence, but it still gets the general idea.
"The anonymous girl of this story is so ancient that she could be described as biblical" (30) Well, if one observes the history of the bible, one can say, it is quite old. So quite literally, (and figuratively), the girl is old enough to be considered to be documented as well as the bible. This is hard to explain in words, but basically, she has lead a long enough life, that the events were old enough and relevant enough to relate to modern day life.
In the novella, Lispector uses Rodrigo's sense of hatred to portray a cold temperment towards Macabea. One of which is the motif of Cold Coffee. On page 27, Rodrigo mentions that Macabea is "...as appetizing as cold coffee" (27), which is a symbol for her appearance not being aesthetically pleasing and/or socially acceptable. Rodrigo has this sort of hatred towards her, and uses cold diction to separate Macabea from society even more than she already stands out. Being a quiet woman, she generally keeps things to herself. Cold Coffee is generally associated with Macabea, and on page 33, she took "...a few sips of cold coffee before going to bed. She paid for this luxury by waking up with heartburn" (33), which can symbolize the negative events in which happen to her during her daily life. How unfortunate for Lispector to pose this fate on Macabea. With the cold coffee metaphor, is more negativity in which Rodrigo adds. Even Rodrigo accepts that everyone is "...sad and lonely..." (40). The urban world has taken over such small events in our lives, that we cannot perform solk, and socially. On page 47, Macabea and Olimpico only talk about food, on the rare occurance when they do, and this can be a representation of how the urban world is dehumanizing human contact, and we find ourselves in awkward, icy situations, because we as humans are incapable of carrying on a conversation with people we may not even know. Nevertheless, Rodrigo mentions diction and symbols in which isolate Macabea from the urban society, and creates this stigma of worthlessness around Macabea.
Rodrigo is a super savage when it comes to describing Macabea. At first he states, “No one paid any attention to her on the street, for she was as appetizing as cold coffee” (27). Here, simile is used to to compare Macabea to something you only notice when it disgusts you. No one would ever notice cold coffee unless they started to drink it, not knowing it was cold, and then unintentionally gag on it because of its disgustingness.The effect is also done to dehumanize her.
Another instance is, “The girl did not know that she existed, just as a dog doesn’t know that it’s a dog” (27). Macabea is compared to a dog to literally take away her humility. Often in literature, when a person is compared to a dog, it’s to make them seem unimportant as an excuse for usually inexcusable circumstances.
The next quote is, “Her life was so monotonous that by the end of the day she could no longer remember what had happened that morning” (33). The urban world is a severe and terrible place, and Lispector wants to reinforce that idea by showing the reality of the life of the urban poor.
Another quote is, “But Macabea’s voice was as rough and tuneless as the rest of her body” (50). While this may be true, Rodrigo isn’t sparing any harshness when it comes to depicting her. He isn’t describing her as a human would describe another human; It’s almost as if he’s simply detailing an object.
Rodrigo also says, talking about Macabea, “Truly she seemed to have been conceived from some vague notion in the minds of starving parents” (57). Not only is Rodrigo putting down Macabea, but he is humiliating her parents for having her in the first place. Rodrigo is insensitive to Macabea, and he makes this apparent by putting her down, and turning her into nothing more than something to be made fun of.
The finally Rodrigo says, “Olímpico probably realized that Macabea lacked substance like most inferior products” (58). Rodrigo’s unfeeling and cruel descriptions of Macabea get increasingly harsher as the novel progresses, as Rodrigo now calls her an ‘inferior product’, as in something that is a mess up and no one wants and should be thrown away.
“[She] scarcely has a body to sell; nobody desires her..."(14).
“Even though I have nothing to do with the girl, I shall have to write everything through her, trapped as I am by my own fears” (24).
“For she gave the impression of having no blood unless a day might come when she would have to spill it” (25).
“The girl did not know that she existed, just as a dog doesn't know that it's a dog”(27).
“Gosh, it sounds like the name of a disease...a skin disease" (43).
“... nobody wants her, she's a virgin and harmless, nobody would miss her" (6).
Lispector uses dehumanizing diction to emphasize how society perceives the rich and the poor. This causes the reader to rethink their views on society because the diction is used in the extreme. Rodrigo describes Macabéa and other poor people like they do not have anything important and that them themselves are unimportant to society. He also describes them in the way that if any of them disappeared, society would not be affected at all because they are not an important piece in society. This all makes the reader believe that maybe this is how everyone thinks, even though it is flawed. It makes the reader believe that they should try to change this aspect of society. However, at the same time Rodrigo does this, it is argued that he sometimes feel sympathy and compassion towards Macabéa. He does this barely as he highlights some of her redeeming qualities, but, more often than not, he is bringing her down in some way or trying to emphasize her inability to escape impoverishment. The argument that Rodrigo does not dehumanize Macabéa to an extent is flawed because in order to have an objective point of view, Rodrigo has to show both sides of Macabea. If he did not show both sides of her and her society, then he would no longer be an objective observer/writer of this story.
The Hour of the Star is classified as an Experimental Novel because of several reasons. An Experimental novel is a completely different style of writing that doesn’t follow normal writing techniques despite the fact that it might come across as confusing or hard to read. First, after the Author’s Dedication there is a list of thirteen possible titles for the book. Most ordinary books don’t have this feature; authors usually just choose a title without informing readers of the other possible contenders were. I think Lispector did this to help the audience understand the book better. Each of these titles has their own specific meaning and relate to different aspects of the book. Not only do these titles bring about a specific theme, but throughout the novel, each title is referenced by name. Another example that makes this book and Experimental novel is the fact the narrator, Rodrigo, breaks the fourth wall. Rodrigo writes, “Just as well that what I am about to write is already written deep inside of me” (Lispector 20). Here Rodrigo is telling readers about the story that he is “about to write” when really the book has already began. This being said, part of the book is about the narrator explaining how he is going to portray Macabéa’s story and the other part is her actual story. Rodrigo also breaks the fourth wall when he is in the middle of talking about Macabéa. This technique is very uncommon in ordinary books. In addition, the punctuation used is very different and supports the idea of an Experimental novel. Lispector uses the word “bang” in parenthesis several times throughout the novel. This onomatopoeia seems to be placed randomly throughout the book, but it is actually used before something significant happens or before Macabéa has a change in emotion. This is a very interesting technique and is like foreshadowing but with the use of only one word. For example, Lispector writes, “The moment she stepped off the pavement, Destiny (bang) swift and greedy, whispered: now, quickly, for my hour has come!” (79). Lispector uses “bang” to foreshadow that Macabéa is about to get hit by a car and die moments after. Lastly, this book is an Experimental novel because it doesn’t really have a start. At the beginning of the novel Lispector writes, “How does one start at the beginning, if things happen before they actually happen?” (11). On the first page of the actual book, Lispector questions how things start which is a parallel to the book. For a good chunk of the novel, Rodrigo is just talking about how he is going to tell the story instead of starting the story right away. Normal literature usually has a beginning, middle and an end, whereas this book seems almost timeless with no discreet beginnings and ends.
According to the question asked, an Experimental Novel is one in which doesn't fall into a set category of writing. In this case, The Hour of The Star is considered one, because it deals with finding the internal meaning of existentialsm. Incredibly complex, indeed, and there are examples in which prove this novel to be experimental. First off, the size of the novel. it appears short and sweet, however as one begins to read, it is far more complex than speculated. The length of the book can also be interpreted as a foreshadow to Macabea's death, and her short amount of fame. References to metaphors such as stars also play a role in the experimental side. Lispector plays with these symbols to convey a bigger idea to the theme and plot. One of which is on page 28, when Rodrigo mentions, "For at the hour of death you become a celebrated film star..." which conveys the idea that since her death is coming soon, her fame is coming also. This whole spectrum around death is part of the experimental novel, because it seems that Lispector is playing with her emotions a bit. Also, the last example of how Lispector created this "experimental novel", is the use of Rodrigo to contemplate her views on life and religion. She utilizes him in a certain way that works with the theme, however at parts it is confusing, and she switches her play on formatting; (He/she or dashes). The book in its entirety is a great example of an experimental novel, and many factors contribute to this title of an experimental novel.
“The person I’m going to talk about is so dumb that she sometimes smiles at other people on the street. Nobody smiles back at her because they do not even look at her.” (7). This quote creates a tone that makes the reader pity Macabea but also want the best for her. This represents an experimental novel because the reader realizes she is diffidently an average, bland person but also the focus of the novel. Additionally, with this quote, Lispector creates room for Macabea to become an antihero and provides insight into her character. All of this creates a sympathetic tone that draws the reader to feel more sympathy for Macabea.
“Yes, she was happy insider her neurosis. War neurosis.” (27). Essentially, this quote illustrates that there is an internal conflict within Macabea. The reader feels that Macabea has inner conflict that may not be visible within her façade of happiness. Lispector communicates that Macabea may be more aware than she gives off. This also shows that she is motivated by unconscious considerations. Also, this fits the experimental novel description because it illustrates that Macabea has an internal conflict.
“And then (small explosion) Macabea stared wide. Because amidst the dirty disorder of the lowest reaches of the middle class there was nonetheless the dull comfort of people who spend all of their money on food, in that neighborhood people ate a lot.” (57). Firstly, Lispector shows how Macabea can see the differences in the life she experiences and the world around her. Consequently, she elicits a tone of isolation from the world. Essentially, this demonstrates the irrationality of the world by the fact that there is such a wealth disparity. This is a quality of an experimental novel.
“She was afraid and didn’t understand them: why did they live?” Although this may seem insignificant, Lispector hints at an internal conflict in Macabea that may be unconscious. With her visit to the zoo and the questions that subsequently follow, Lispector shows that Macabea is confused by her purpose and struggles to understand others. This makes her both an antihero and have a psychological conflict, which are characteristics of an experimental novel.
When trying to understand why The Hour of the Star is an experimental novel it is first important to understand what one is. An experimental novel is a completely new, innovative style of writing that does not follow any standard form of writing techniques and also does not fit under any pre-set category of writing. Many experimental novels are classed as metafiction, a category of narrative that has defied tradition by breaking the illusion of fiction. For example, the characters in the story may be aware that they are fictional. Likewise, the author may break into the story line with speculations about how the story should continue. This factor is seen many times in this novel Rodrigo often begins to talk about his style of writing or his view on Macabea rather than telling the story. Another factor of experimental novels is that the main characters tend to be depicted as hateful, disgusting human beings. This is definitely a factor seen in the novel for example with Olimpico, Olimpico is not a man that I favour and I don’t believe I’m the only one who thinks poorly of him. He is very inconsiderate towards anyones feelings and it is almost as if he is characterized as being crazy, looking at his strange love for blood and death. He is also shown to be very self-centered and superficial. However, he is not the only one characterized poorly. Macabea is also illustrated to be gross, ugly, stupid, and many is given many other awful traits. Another factor of experimental novels Lispector uses is an unreliable narrator. In this novel Rodrigo is very unreliable, he often contradicts himself making the reader unsure of what is real and what is false. Also the narrator often writes by using a stream of consciousness, instead of delivering a clear story, the writer will ramble on about this and that, piling digression upon digression. This can be seen on almost every page of this novel, Rodrigo will be telling a story and then it suddenly get bombarded by his views on the characters or reasons why he writes the way he does.
My group and I were tasked to do a close reading on “The Author’s Dedication” section of the novel, which happens to be the very first pages of Hour of the Star. The most interesting part of this section has to be page 9, where it contains the title of the novel all capitalized followed by thirteen other phrases which appear to be titles, one of which is in fact the title Hour of the Star. We had taken quite some time to figuring out what these collection of phrases meant, but we still aren’t yet 100% sure on our findings. But there is one possible theory that does seem convincing. When I was researching on Clarice Lispector for the previous research assignment, I came upon an excerpt from a television show that Lispector was the guest on. In that show she released information that she had completed writing a novel with “thirteen names, thirteen titles”, which happened to be in fact Hour of the Star. There happens to be thirteen titles including Hour of the Star on page 9. If this had any correlation with these possible titles on page 9, than that might mean that these were all titles that Lispector had come up with, and that Hour of the Star was the one she ultimately had chosen to use on the cover. But Clarice Lispector still referred to the book as having thirteen titles, so perhaps in her mind all of those titles are equivalent titles for her novel. Maybe depending on how you read the book, a title from the list will seem more fitting to you compared to the original. With that same quote from Lispector in mind, we thought about the multiple dedications she had listed off on pages 7 and 8. Most of which were musicians, and she had named a total of twelve names. Maybe this is what she was referring to when she stated “thirteen names”, including possibly her own? Based on this passage, all of these musicians and people had affected her, as she stated phrases like “predicts my fate” (Lispector 7), and “who terrifies me and makes me soar in flames” (7). She might have dedicated this novel to not only those musicians, but to herself as well.
ReplyDeleteSection two begins with the narrator’s philosophy that “Everything in the world began with a yes. One molecule said yes to another molecule and life was born” (11). However, the statement is then followed by a contradiction, in which the narrator says that “I do know that the universe never began” (11), which indicates that the author does not have a clear way in explaining his story. His style of writing is further muddled in this passage, in which he says, “I do not intend to write anything complicated” (13). Here, the author is expressing his point to make the story simple. However, while the story has only progressed for a page, Lispector already presented the story far from simple, which is shown from the numerous complex sentences present in this passage. The complexity of the section shows the ambivalence of the narrator, which indicates that the story to follow will be accompanied with confusion. However, it must be noted that the although “author” or the narrator of this story is said to be Rodrigo S.M., the real author is Clarice Lispector, meaning that she as an author created another author for her story, Hour of the Star. Because Lispector has created Rodrigo as a fictional author, all of the ambivalence of the narration has meaning to the overarching novel. So, when it is stated, “everything in the world began with a yes. One molecule said yes to another molecule and life was born”, the purpose significant to the overall theme of the novel, which can be furthered as readers follow the narrator, Rodrigo, though Macabea’s life.
ReplyDeleteThe section I had to read and annotate from The Hour of the Star was the Author’s Dedication. This section is very interesting. First of all, I noticed that Clarice Lispector included names of twelve different people in her dedication, all but one of which are composers (I am not sure if Clara is a composer also or just the wife of a composer). This shows how Lispector really enjoyed music and it probably impacted her life and writing a tremendous amount. In addition, I noticed that there was a lot of repetition of the phrase “I dedicate” and the word “to”. Both “I dedicate” and “to” are used by Lispector to reveal the numerous people who she dedicated The Hour of the Star to. Because she dedicated this book to so many people, she used “to” instead of “I dedicate” so that it didn’t sound too redundant. The most interesting aspect of the Author’s Dedication is the list of thirteen different book titles. I assume that each of these titles was an option to name the book because The Hour of the Star is on the list. These thirteen titles can perhaps tell readers something more about the novel and be supported by different parts of the book. Lispector writes, “It is an unfinished book because it offers no answer. An answer I hope someone somewhere in the world may be able to provide” (Lispector 8). The reason that Lispector decided to include all of these titles could be because she wants readers to make what they want of the book and ultimately decided the fitting title.
ReplyDeleteThe section my group and I read was section 1 of chapter one. What I found to be interesting was the repeat of life and death. This can be assumed as Lispector's ideas of existentialism. Lispector's ideas on existentialism explain our existence and the history of everything that has happened before our existence. Lispector begins the passage with "Everything in the World began with a yes..." (Lispector 11). She also tells us that the universe never really began. This is how she wishes to convey this confusing and complex ideology to the reader in the most simplistic way possible. Despite her metaphorical analysis of existentialism, she contradicts herself. When she mentions that "I only achieve simplicity with enormous effort" (11) she immediately plays with her intentions, because she also mentions that "I do not intend to write anything complicated, although I am obliged to use the words that sustain you" (13), which this directly contrasts her original intention when she wanted to use enormous effort instead of close to none for the least complicated. Back to the motif of life and death, she also comments on the use of death being, "death appears to comment on life" (12) saying that every event that has ever happened in history and prehistory and before anything started is both relevant and irrelevant. Both real and unreal. She must "...record the preceding events" (12) to document what has happened, so it is sort of a confirmation of history. Also, back to contradictions, Listpector says "...we are all one and the same person..." (12), however she brings her ego and selfishness when she says that she is "...one of the more important" (13) characters in her novella, however in the novella she isn't a character. However one may argue that her documentation of her story makes her one of the more important characters, because it comes from her point of view and imagination.
ReplyDeleteThe passage my group was assigned to read was the author's dedication. The reason I raised my hand for this one was because I am so interested in the different titles. Much like the book, which poses many questions but offers no single, definitive answer, Lispector refuses to settle on one single, definitive title. The first thing that pops out when looking at the title page is Clarice’s signature in the middle of the page rather than an “or”, this is something that I think holds a lot of significance but I can’t figure out why she does this. Some of the titles include suggestions of self-mockery, and there are strongly comic events that show the girl is naive. Another odd title is “.As for the Future.” The beginning of this title starting with a period signifies that there is neither a beginning nor end. “Singing the Blues” also holds significance to me because there are so many references to music in this novel. For example, there are 12 composers mentioned in the author’s dedication. Schumann, Clara, Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Stravinsky, Richard Strauss, Debussy, Marlos Nobre, Prokofiev, Carl Orff, and Schoenberg. When mentioning Stravinsky she writes, “who terrifies me and makes me soar in flames” (7). This might be a reference to one of Stravinsky’s famous compositions and Ballets, Firebird. Firebird is a ballet based off of Russian fairy tales of a magical glowing bird that can be both a blessing and a curse to its owner. The relationship of the bird and its owner is similar to the relationship between “The girl” and the narrator. The only composition that is clearly laid out for the reader is Death and Transfiguration by Strauss she writes, “ Death and Transfiguration in which Richard Strauss predicts my fate’ (7). The music depicts the death of an artist. Clarice writing this might be a subtle hint to readers showing that she did know she was dying while writing this book.
ReplyDeleteThese are the three questions I chose to answer:
ReplyDelete1. What was Lispector’s purpose in writing this book? What is the theme?
10. What is the point of Rodrigo’s introduction?
12. What is the significance of Rodrigo’s use of syntax?
I think that Lispector’s point in writing this book was to reveal her beliefs around existentialism and different aspects of life. The main idea or theme that is present throughout the novel is the consciousness of existence. In the Author’s Dedication, Lispector writes, “one cannot prove the existence of what is most real but the essential thing is to believe” (Lispector 8). She is saying that she is conscious that there are things in the universe that cannot be seen with the human eye, but that does not mean that they are not real. As soon as the book starts, Lispector writes, “if this history does not exist, it will come to exist” (11). This sentence is a bit confusing but I think she is trying to say that the history will eventually exist once people are conscious of it and believe that it does in fact exist.
Rodrigo’s introduction is very interesting. He talks about how he is going to tell the story instead of jumping right into the story like a normal book would do. This idea goes back to the experimental novel and how the narrator is fictional and is aware that he is a character. Lispector writes, “the story...should have some seven characters, and obviously I am one of the more important” (13). In this sentence, he states that he thinks he is one of the more important characters in the novel, which is quite interesting due to the fact that the story really is not about him. I also think that this intro is used to introduce the ideas/themes of existentialism and existence.
Throughout the book, Rodrigo uses very strange punctuation. First of all, he uses dashes when people are talking instead of quotation marks and he does not include the name of the person who says each line. Lispector writes,
— Why do you have to tell me so many lies?
— I swear it, may my mother drop dead if it isn’t true!
This reference is from page 56 and shows Rodrigo’s use of dashes in conversations. This also goes along with the experimental novel idea where the author experiments with a different writing style as well as different punctuation. He also writes, “(bang)” throughout the book in seemingly odd places. He uses “(bang)” right before a big event happens that evokes a new emotion or characteristic in Macabéa. For example before she dies, Lispector writes, “Destiny (bang) swift and greedy, whispered: now, quickly, for my hour has come!” (79). Moments after this, Macabéa gets fatally hit by a car. It’s almost like the “(bang)” is being used to foreshadow.
3. Was Macabea happy? Are we meant to feel sorry for her? If she is self-content, is she so pitiful after all?
ReplyDeleteI believe Macabea was a happy individual. As Rodrigo S.M. had put it, she “... is so simple minded that she often smiles at other people on the street” (Lispector 16). Her life, contrary to ours or Rodrigo’s, is very simple and black and white. She is incapable of understanding the severity of the situation that she is in. Simple actions such as listening to the radio, or taking a day off from work brings Macabea great joy, which is mind boggling to us considering how mundane some of the things in life that give Macabea happiness. In this aspect she is similar to a young child. Based on the narrator Rodrigo S.M. statements such as, “It is true that I, too, feel no pity for my main character, the girl from the North-east: I want my story to be cold and impartial” (Lispector 13), I do not believe we are meant to feel sorry for her. Writers and actors normally become connected and attached to their characters, as they learn to think and act like them in order to act or write accordingly. Interestingly enough though, Rodrigo S.M. does not want to be emotionally attached to his character, so it begs the question why should we? All throughout the novel Rodrigo S.M. picks and examens her and her actions like she is some sort of specimen. He dehumanizes her and desensitizes us as the readers. It seems as though we are meant to look at Mccabe's life as if we are analyzing something in a science lab, rather than looking at her as a human being. I do not think that just because she is self-content, she is not pitiful. On the other hand, I believe that it makes her appear more pitiful, because of the fact that she is happy with such a horrible life. Even the narrator mocks her for satisfied disposition given her situation, and is confused at times because of it.
11. Is Rodrigo the protagonist of this novel? Or is it Macabea?
In my opinion I believe the protagonist of the novel is in fact Rodrigo. One of the main reasons why this is considered an experimental novel is the fact that the narrator, Rodrigo, is the writer of the story, and you get to know him as you read lines and lines of him developing, considering, and questioning events and actions that Macabea and the other characters commit. Rodrigo even stated, “The story - I have decided with an illusion of free will - should have some seven characters, and obviously I am one of the more important” (Lispector 13). Rodrigo considers himself a character in his own novel, such as the ones he is writing about, while also suggesting that he is the most important out of all of them. When I first read this book during the summer, it was confusing and even head throbbing to read. Never have I read a book with a narrator that talks to you in such a way. It’s as if you are reading the story alongside another individual, and he/she is telling you what they feel and think all throughout the story. You become less interested in Macabea and her story, and you begin to shift your focus to Rodrigo and his, wondering why he thinks the way he thinks, and what was the reason to share this story of Macabea in the first place.
-Blog #2 continued (Would not let me post it as one because of length)-
ReplyDelete17. What other questions would you like the class to discuss?
One question that I would like the class to discuss, is the constant juxtaposition of scientific facts, and beliefs that seem more religious. An example of this can be seen in the dedication portion of the novel where Clarice Lispector states, “And we must never forget that if the atom’s structure is invisible, it is none the less real. I am aware of the existence of many things I have never seen. And you too. One cannot prove the existence of what is more real but the essential thing is to believe” (Lispector 8). The first sentence from that quote seems like quite the scientific point of view, where things that we know for certain exist are in fact present, although it might be not be obvious to us. But the remainder of the quote however seems like it is from a more religious point of view. The way that Lispector words this makes it seem like she is talking about science versus God and religion when she states “cannot prove the existence of what is more real”, and that it is just important to have faith. Was Lispector having internal conflict between the ideas of existentialism, and the ideas of religion? Was she using this media as a way to bring out her division between the two?
2. What is the significance of the beginning, where Rodrigo talks about the beginning of the world? How does that relate to the rest of the story?
ReplyDeleteThe introduction to this story seems very confusing and unconventional, but it actually does have significance in the story. In my opinion, Lispector’s purpose for the beginning of the novel and mentioning how the world began was to communicate how everything is interconnected and many things do not happen on purpose. When Lispector wrote, “All the world began with a yes” (3), Lispector communicated that there is rarely a purpose behind actions. This message is extremely applicable to the life of Macabea. It is extremely evident that she lives an extremely undesirable life. The principles that Lispector communicated in the beginning of the story works to develop the idea that Macabea’s life is due to a combination of circumstances that are not necessarily in her control.
4. Why do you think Macabea “loved” Olimpico
There are many reasons why Macabea loved Olimpico despite his severe mistreatment of her. Most importantly, she might have loved Olimpico due to the fact that he gave her some form of attention. Early in the novel, Rodrigo communicates that “nobody wants her, she’s a virgin and harmless, nobody would miss her.” (6). This makes the reader feel that Macabea may be desperate for an form of affection despite that it may not be a healthy relationship. Throughout the relationship, it is evident that Macabea is infatuated with the idea of having a companion. When describing Olimpico, she says, “’She thought Olimpico knew a lot of things” (43). This shows how she doesn’t care that he treats her like dirt, but she loves him because he gives her attention, no matter how negative it is.
11. Is Rodrigo the protagonist of this novel? Or is it Macabea?
In Hour of the star, readers can debate who is the protagonist or main character in the story: Rodrigo or Macabea. In my opinion, they are both the protagonist because Macabea is just an extension of Rodrigo. Rodrigo, who is the author of Macabea’s story created her and invents her story. Although it is unconventional to think of a character as a part of the author, I feel this was communicated through Rodrigo’s extreme insight into her character and his fondness for her. He says, “Only I, her author, love her. I suffer for her.” (19). This illustrates how Lispector wanted to highlight the emotional connection between these two characters. Macabea is a reflection of Rodrigo and for this reason, they are both the protagonist.
2. What is the significance of the beginning, where Rodrigo talks about the beginning of the world? How does that relate to the rest of the story?
ReplyDeleteThe beginning when Rodrigo talks about the beginning of the world is super interesting, because it poses a great argument about existentialism. Rodrigo mentions a few times of scientific references and philosophical references to the meaning of life. That death is ultimately the time in which defines one's existence on earth. This is shown in the novel with Macabea's death; as her death coming from a somewhat boring and meaningless life, proves Macabea's life to be tragic, however still holds a meaningless depiction. When Rodrigo contemplates whether or not the story he is telling is his "...coagulation..." (Lispector 11), which is basically his life story; will be relevant or not. So directly compared to Macabea, Rodrigo is asking himself if his death's story will prove his existence, even when Macabea's proved to be somewhat meaningless. Overall, the beginning is a tool in discussing Lispector's opinion on existentialism, as it was both there but not, and that everyone has a place, yet everyone is so meaningless.
7.What does Macabéa’s death represent? How does it fit in with the overall message of the book?
Macabea's death proves to be an example of our existence on earth. Which is in all respect, meaningless. In the beginning of the novella, Rodrigo brings up this motif of "...molecules..." (11), which are so small compared to other organisms and objects. Ultimately I believe that the molecule example is a symbol for Macabea's life (and death). Her existence was pre-arranged, but her meaning on life was not justified until after her death. However it proved to be meaningless, so is anyone's life actually valid? Or are we living in a fantasy where nothing is real?
8. What is the significance of dying a virgin?
First off, I have to ask this question. Why do we exist? Do we ultimately exist to give ourselves away to producing offpring that will keep out species going on and thriving? Are we merely existing to give into this plan we have for our lives? What exactly is the plan? Is every action we take meaningless in our lives, and the only action that matters is whether we create sons or daughters, and if they produce sons or daughters, is that their meaning of existence? I believe that the significance of dying a virgin, especially in Macabea's case, is an example of her overall appeal to others. She is considered a "virgin" because she doesn't seem to be cared of and loved by others. I believe that dying a virgin means that the person has not fulfilled their existence on earth. However, based on Lispector's beliefs and intentions, aren't we all virgins? Who really cares about you to the point that you are not one but two people? Exactly. So everyone is lonely and in their own world, while others just distract us from accomplishing our meaning on earth.
1. Though it is popular belief that Clarice Lispector did not know she was going to die while writing The Hour of the Star, I don't believe it. I don’t, because Lispector died of cancer and had to have been diagnosed around the time she was writing this novel. I believe that Lispector’s purpose in writing this novel was to get her final thoughts out to the public before it was too late. Lispector says it herself, "one day she would surely die as if she had already learned by heart how to play the starring role. For at the hour of death you become a celebrated film star …" (63). Lispector is clearly stating that everything about a person becomes much more valuable and cherished once they have died. Knowing this Lispector purposely chose this novel to be her last; knowing her words would be deeply cherished and read over many times. Also, with this in mind Lispector uses The Hour of the Star to shed light on the brutal lives of the impoverished living in Rio. In the introduction Lispector goes on and on about the girl. At one point she writes, “…it’s my obligation to tell about this one girl out of the thousands like her…”(5). This statement shows the reader that Macabea is just one out of thousand also living miserable lives filled with maltreatment and disadvantage. This brings attention to the issue of the pay gap in Rio and brings about ripples of change for the disadvantaged. beyond the complex abstractions and Major Questions, the text also offers an important social commentary about the gap between the haves and the have-nots. However, the real story of this poor, starving girl desperate for love and attention does not just show a specific scenario, it shows the real story of millions of others just like her in the world.
ReplyDelete8. Dying a virgin can symbolize many things, purity, innocence, religion, discipline, etc. Lispector highlights the fact that Macabea is a virgin multiple times in this book. Dying a virgin can show that Macabea was young when she died. Virginity is mainly a sign of purity and in this case discipline. Macabea’s aunt had always told Macabea, while growing up to stay away from sex and she fulfils her duty. Macabea dying a virgin also shows how little society cared for her. Lispector makes this clear when she writes, “one never forgets a person with whom one has slept” (9). Macabea was not remembered or important in anyone's life because she never had a romantic relationship with anyone. Being a virgin is not something Macabea or the narrator hides, Macabea even says it herself “I am a typist and a virgin, and I like coca-cola" (35). When asking herself “Who am I” this is all she could come up with to define herself which shows that she has little knowledge about herself and also shows a lack of importance she holds in the world that even she can see. Lastly, dying a virgin shows how little world experience Macabea has and how innocent she truly is.
15. In Latin American culture, specifically Brazil, they take money and beauty very seriously and often use both against people. Usually, if you are poor you are considered ugly. For example in Brazilian slang a nose considered wider and non-European is described as a 'poor person's nose'. Brazilian culture is very materialistic, especially for girls. However, american culture is no better. I think in terms of social ranking, due to Macabea’s poverty she would be viewed by people the same way in both cultures. However, in Brazil poverty is more common, since she is surrounded by poverty and lives all around it, it is easier for her to accept her fate and instead focus on other small pleasures in life rather than how people view her.
Biblical Allusions
ReplyDelete“I want to experience at least once the insipid flavor of the Host. To eat communion bread will be to taste the world’s indifference” (Lispector 19).
The Host or the Heavenly Host is referenced 23 times and refers to an army of angels in the Bible. The Host can also be a reference to communion bread, which makes more sense in this context. In Christianity, Communion bread symbolizes the Resurrected Christ. I think Rodrigo is saying that to practice Christianity is to be a part of the indifference that most of the world has.
“The one thing she had was fate” (Lispector 25).
Faith is one of the most important aspects of the bible. Without faith, religion is merely an idea. In this part of The Hour of the Star, Rodrigo is explaining how Macabéa has faith even though she was unhappy. She does not need to have faith in anything particular, it is faith itself that has given her grace.
“She prayed but without God. She did not know Him, therefore He did not exist” (Lispector 34).
Praying is a ritual that most religions practice. The goal of praying is to create a relationship with God. That being said, it is very ironic that Macabéa prays without God because it defeats the purpose of praying in the first place. I also thought it was ironic how Lispector decided to write the second part, “She did not know Him, therefore He did not exist,” because in the Author’s Dedication she writes, “I am aware of the existence of many things I have never seen...the essential thing is to believe”. If Lispector thinks that you must believe in things you cannot see, why would she write this passage?
“May the Gods never decree that I should write about a leper, for then I should become covered in leprosy” (Lispector 39).
Leprosy is said to be one of the oldest diseases to ever have infected humans. This disease is a skin infection that was once incurable, so it was very severe. It was said that one who got leprosy was ultimately being punished by the gods. One who has leprosy is excluded from the community. This being said, Rodrigo is almost ashamed that he is writing about this pathetic girl and thinks that he is becoming someone who doesn’t fit in with society as well.
“She was so excited when he gave it to her that she said three Our Fathers and two Hail Marys to recover her composure” (Lispector 60).
Both of these allusions are to prayers from the Bible. The statement “Our Father” refers to a verse from the Bible, Mathew 6:9, that states, "This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” One is supposed to pray using the phrase “Our Father” to refer to God. In this context in The Hour of the Star, Macabéa is happy that Olímpico gives her a photograph of himself, so she prays or praises God three times. Not only does she say, “Our Father,” she also says, “Hail Mary,” twice. Hail Mary refers to another prayer from the Bible that calls for our mother to pray for us. Once again, she uses this to try to “recover her composure”.
1) "details that laboriously stem from me only to return to me; the craft of carpentry" (14). Carpentry is building a new purpose for something that previously had none. During his time on earth, Jesus took up the career of a carpenter. Of course, the career also reflected him as a person and what he largely wished to do. Once he was able to access the people, he helped give purpose to others who were walking around blindly and needed his direction. The author in turn, is doing the same thing for Macabea, and by writing her story is giving her a purpose.
ReplyDelete2) "Madame Carlota pointed at the coloured print on the wall which represented the Sacred Heart of Jesus in red and gold" (72). Most Catholic churches are built in the shape of a cross to mimic the place where Jesus was hanged. By having a whole building, and a strategically placed area that designates "the Sacred Heart of Jesus" followers can more closely feel a connection with Jesus. Instead of a building in which people can stand however, Madame Carlota only has a picture of the heart of Jesus. In contrast, the picture can almost make a person feel farther away from him than closer. Instead of being something tangible, the person instead has to trust the concepts of intangibility. The colors red and gold around the heart signify the idea that the only way to truly be accepted by those supposedly doing Jesus' good work, is through money or through shedding blood. This further accentuates the gap between rich and poor, and emphasizes its theme.
3) “The land of Alagoas had opened in gaping cracks” (80). When Lispector describes, “gaping cracks” I automatically imagined the land parting in two. In the bible, there is a story concerning the parting of the red sea. Moses parts the red sea to evoke change and combat injustice, just as Macabea’s death is an act that sparks the ideas of injustice in the Brazilian society.
4) “Jesus lost no time in helping me set up a brothel with my friend” (72). Most would see it as very ironic that someone who sells their body for money could identify so closely with a follower of Jesus. However, Jesus himself was supposedly in love with a girl who was a prostitute herself- Mary Magdalene.
5) “The bells were ringing without making any sound” (85). Right after Macabea’s death, the bells toll. Bells have a significance in church, to call those to worship. Generally, right after the bells ring, followers repent before the actual service starts. As Macabea’s body lays there, people watch over. The silence of the bells tolling indicates Macabea’s last desperate attempts for those around her to finally see. However, repenting is only the first step. Apologizing can never erase, it can only soothe.
“I am the only person who finds her charming. As the author, I alone love her” (27).
ReplyDeleteThroughout the Bible, Jesus shows kindness and compassion to he or she who is suffering, and loves everyone from the prostitute to the widow. To be an author, is to be God, creating worlds, directing events and giving life. In her quiet, contemplative moments, when in need of guidance or assistance, to whom should Macabéa pray? To Rodrigo S.M., her Father who is in His Study, scribbling lines. Her life is in His hands. And, yet, His is in hers also; they sustain each other. Without her we would not know Rodrigo S.M.; if she dies, so does He; her disappearance necessitates His; her end, is His. In this passage, Rodrigo represents God and the infinite love that God has for all of his creations. Rather than Macabéa being a creation of God, she is a creation of Rodrigo.
"Eating the Host will be tasting the flavorlessness of the world" (11).
This relates to communion, the host being the body of Christ. The bread being flavorless represents the bland society that Macabea lives in where conforming to religion is the norm. Religion is a colorful idea but when everyone gets involved and people start to dictate ideas religious practices become black and white and distract people from the colors of the world and therefore living turns bland.
"Macabéa, Hail Mary, full of grace, serene land of promise, land of forgiveness, the time must come, ora pro nobis" (82) .
Ora pro nobis is a Latin phrase that means, pray for us. 'Serene land of promise' and 'land of forgiveness' are both references to Heaven. Here again we see Macabea compared to the figure that every women is compared to in her society, even in her time of death. Women in her society, rich or poor, are always held to an impossible standard one can never reach.
“I see that she vomited a little blood, vast spasm, essence at last touching essence: victory!” (75).
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 16 v. 54-55
In the Bible the apostle Paul writes, “death is swallowed up in victory” however this is the opposite for Macabea who, rather than swallowing, is spewing it out. Her victory is not in overcoming death, like it is in the bible, her victory is found in the glorified circumstance of her death.
“She clung to a thread of self-consciousness and mentally repeated over and over: I am, I am, I am. Who she was, was what she didn’t know. She’d gone to seek in the very deep and black core of her self the breath of life that God gives us” (74).
In the bible God refers to himself as “I am” That is the way one calls himself God. “the breath of life that God gives us” is an allusion to Adam in the story Adam and Eve when God breathes life into the dust to create Adam.
“One day, I’ll be a rich man - he rejoined grandly, convinced the he was a demon of power: the strength bleeding in his young limbs” (Lispector 45)
ReplyDeleteA demon, or also called a fiend, is a supernatural, often malevolent being prevalent in religion such as Christianity. A demon is also believed to be a spiritual entity that may be conjured and controlled. By having Olympico believe he was a “a demon of power”, it is a suggestion that his intentions, and morality is dark and evil. This is the opposite to his girlfriend, Macabea, however, as she is she is not concerned with money or greed, let alone have a strong concept of it. This is a possible foreshadow to their upcoming breakup, as clearly these two individuals do not have much in common. Demons can also attempt to make that said person kill themselves in one way or another by the result of hauntings. It can be seen that Olympico was haunting Macabea, and because of that it had caused the following events, that eventually lead to her death.
“As I said before, she had no guardian angel. But she made the best of things” (Lispector 62)
Based on the Bible, a guardian angel is an angel that is assigned to protect and guide a person. Belief in guardian angels can traced all the way back to the 5th century. It is said that every soul was assigned a guardian angel the moment it was put into a body. By means of an angel, God is said to introduce suggestions as well as images, leading a person to do what is right. By stating that Macabea had no guardian angel, Rodrigo is suggesting to the reader that she had no soul to begin with. This might be a reason as to why Macabea does not have the same reasoning, and emotion as anyone else in the novel, and that she is infact not living. Because of this, Macabea had no one looking out for her, no one to protect her from danger or from herself. This might be as to why she dies suddenly, and less dramatically compared to characters from other novels.
“Madame Carlota pointed at the coloured print on the wall which represented the Sacred Heart of Jesus in red and gold” (Lispector 72)
The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart, that is shining with the light of the divine, pierced by the lance-wound, encircled by the crown of thorns, with a cross placed on top, and bleeding. These wounds and also the crown of thorns allude to the manner of the death of Jesus, while fire represents the transformative power of divine love. This symbol ultimately represents Christ’s sacred humanity. Perhaps by having Madame Carlota hang this depiction on her wall, it not only suggests that she was a religious individual that beloved in God, but also that she herself believes that the work that she is doing is a similar act of humanity compared to that of Jesus. This symbol might also be a foreshadow to Macabea’s death, as it alludes to Jesus’ death with the crown of thorns and cross.
“Macabea, Hail Mary, full of grace, serene land of promise. Land of forgiveness, the time has come, ora pro nobis” (Lispector 82)
ReplyDeleteThe Hail Mary, is a traditional Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is the mother of Jesus. For Roman Catholics, The Hail Mary is the essential element of the Rosary, which is a prayer method in use especially among Western Catholics. It is also important to note that the phrase “ora pro nobis” is latin for pray for us. By stating this, Rodrigo is essentially giving his final prayer to Macabea, before he kills her off. This is quite interesting, considering that at the beginning of the novel he stated that he would be cold unemotional when telling the story. But by praying for Macabea here, it shows that he in fact has become emotionally connected to this person he has created, and that he had failed to follow his own rules. Because that no one in Macabea’s life has cared about her at all, Rodrigo has decided upon himself that he will care about her before her passing.
“Things are ever vesperal and if she is not dying now, then like us, she has reached vigil of death” (Lispector 83)
In Christianity, especially that of Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, a vigil is often held when someone is gravely ill or in mourning. Prayers are said and votives are often made. Vigils extend from eventual death to burial, ritualistically to pray for a loved one, but mostly so that their body is never left alone. By stating this, Rodrigo is suggesting that we the readers, as well as him the narrator, are both grieving for Macabea and the injuries she has sustained, considering her life from start to finish as she slowly dies on the street helplessly. He also states that if she is no longer dying from her injuries, that she is now dead, and that we are now grieving for her death.
Throughout The Hour of the Star, Rodrigo constantly dehumanizes Macabéa. Lispector writes, “(It’s as good as saying that a healthy dog is worth more.)” (Lispector 35). Rodrigo is dehumanizing Macabéa by comparing her to dog. Not only is he comparing her to an animal, he is saying that a healthy dog is worth more than her, making her seem very insignificant. Lispector is trying to show how the urban world values the wealthy more than the poor. Later in the novel Lispector writes, “Macabéa was undeniably a primitive creature while Olímpico de Jesus saw himself as a man about town, the type of man for whom all doors open to” (46). Not only does Rodrigo dehumanize Macabéa by using the term “primitive creature,” he is also comparing her to Olímpico. Olímpico is a man with more money than Macabéa. Because Olímpico is a male and has more wealth, he is seen as a more valuable person with more opportunities in life. Lispector could be trying to make the statement that in urban society, men are seen as more powerful than women. Lispector also uses the concept of dehumanization when macabéa is talking to Olímpico and says, “Forgive me, but I don’t believe that I am all that human” (48). In this instance, Macabéa is actually dehumanizing herself saying that she does not even think she is a human being. This reveals how the social norms and perception of society rub off and shape Macabéa’s perception of herself. She does not feel like she is human because of how people treat her life she’s worthless. To criticize her even more, after Macabéa tries to sing, Olímpico says, “You look like a deaf-mute trying to sing” (51). The little things like this comment lower Macabéa’s self confidence, making her feel belittled. These constant disrespectful remarks show how little of a significance poor women were in society. In addition, Olímpico asks, “What makes you think that you’ve got the face or the body to become a film star?” (53). After he asks her this, Macabéa asks, “Am I really so awful?” and this shows how she listens to the comments of people and questions herself. People are brainwashing her to think she is not a human because of the fact that she is poor. When talking about Macabéa Rodrigo says, “She was a lost cause. And even sadness was the privilege of the rich, of those who could afford it” (61). He is saying that because she is poor, she does not deserve to be sad. That seems a bit ironic because if one does not have a lot, you would think he/she would be the sad one. This is yet another example of the dehumanizing tendency of Rodrigo. Part of the reason why Macabéa does not have much emotion is because she has taken so much verbal abuse from her peers. This constant criticism from males, both Rodrigo and Olímpico show how men were thought to be superior to women and how wealth often determined how much of a “human” one was.
ReplyDeleteThrough the entire novel of The Hour of the Star, Rodrigo constantly attempts to dehumanize Macabea as a human being to himself, and to the readers. As a result there are countless examples that show Rodrigo’s cold temperament towards his main character, Macabea. One example of which can be seen on page 60 where Olimpico says, “Macabea, you’re like a hair in one’s soup. It’s enough to make anyone lose their appetite. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but you might as well know the truth. Are you offended?” (Lispector 60). Here Macabea is compared, and even suggested to be “like a hair in one’s soup”, which objectifies here and demeans her. Rather than being a human being that means something, Macabea is something that people have no positive feelings for, and only see her as an annoyance based on this statement. This ideology can be linked to some in society, where the poverty-stricken individuals are seen as useless waste in the community (like hair in soup), and is only seen as an annoyance that degrades the rest of society. On the same page, Rodrigo added one point about Macabea, writing, “I forgot to mention that Macabea had one unfortunate trait: she was sensual How there could be so much sensuality in a body as withered as hers, without her even suspecting its presence?” (Lispector 60). How could being a sensual human being, be something negative? Perhaps in Rodrigo’s eyes Macabea was born to suffer and be dull, but yet she lives with strong emotions and doesn't realize that fact to Rodrigo’s amazement. Another example can be seen in one of Macabea’s conversations with her coworker Gloria, in in which she states, “Have you taken leave of your senses, girl? What are you up to, wearing all that war-paint?... Excuse me asking: is it painful being ugly?” (Lispector 62). By referring to the makeup Macabea has on as “war paint”, it dehumanizes her in a sense that she is not a woman that can wear makeup and look good, but would rather look like a vicious monster because of it. The question that follows is a direct insult to her looks, and is essentially one small step less than openly calling her ugly. When Macabea was thanking the fortune teller after her visit, “Macabea planted a resounding kiss on Madame Carlota’s rouged cheek… As a little girl, because she had no one to kiss, she often used to kiss the wall. Embracing the wall was like embracing herself” (Lispector 78). Rodrigo’s decision to include this detail is interesting, because it showed Macabea’s life as a child. This dehumanizes her in a different way than the rest, as shows that she had no one to show her affection, something that young children need. Because of this, she is not like the “others” in that respect. She could be labeled as weird because of it as well, despite the saddening circumstance. One other example of Macabea being dehumanized while in a conversation with Olimpico, is when he comments, “At least you know that you’re called Macabea? That’s true. But I don’t know what’s inside my name. The only thing I know for certain is that I’ve never had much to offer…” (Lispector 56). Here she admits her feelings that she has towards herself, and that she feels that she is useless. This goes back to my previous sentence about the ideology towards the poor, in that they have nothing to contribute, and this statement of her’s goes with that. In this instance it seems as though she is in fact dehumanizing herself. Another example that goes with this as well is located on page 51, where Rodrigo states, “Olimpico concerned himself with important things but Macabea only noticed unimportant things such as herself” (Lispector 51). This blunt and fairly rude comment not only dehumanizes Macabea as a person, but also encourages readers to make fun of her as well, a similar phenomena when bullies engage in bullying first, then get help from others as a reassurance.
ReplyDeleteClarice Lispector uses every opportunity she can to dehumanize the poor Macabea. Not only does Rodrigo dehumanize Macabea, Macabea even dehumanizes herself. When “He” is talking to Macabea he says, “He - Why the fuss? Aren’t you a human being? Human beings talk about other human beings. She - forgive me, but I don’t believe that I am all that human” (48). He then goes on to correct her saying that everyone is human but she argues back. She is clearly laying out here that she doesn’t look at herself as a human. While she could be trying to say she is even better than a human, like a God, with background information the readers can assume that she thinks much less of herself rather than higher. She again shows her lack of confidence when she says, “I am a typist and a virgin, and I like coca-cola” (35). This is yet another quote were Macabea is talking herself down. While she is not clearly dehumanizing herself, she is in a way. She makes it sound as though every morning when she wakes up, she has to re-remember who she is. And she doesn't do it by saying, "I'm Macabéa; a fun-loving, happy person with an amazing family." Instead, she identifies herself with outside, materialistic things. "Typist." Macabéa very much defines herself with her job, even though she is not very good at it. "Virgin." She secondarily defines herself by her relationship status. Which is non-existent. "I like coca-cola." this shows the reader she is a consumer. Like many people Macabea defines herself by what she likes to buy. Macabea not being able to identify herself with personal traits shows the readers that Macabea does not live her life to the fullest, she does not thrive off of others or herself, and she does not even seem to know who she is. This is dehumanizing because while it shows Macabea to be a physical human being it also shows her empty on the inside, objectifying her to nothing but a hollow outline of a human, and at that point, is she really human at all? However Lispector doesn’t only have Macabea to dehumanize herself, she also uses characters in the book like Rodrigo, “The girl didn’t know she existed, just as a dog doesn’t know that it’s a dog” (27). Here Rodrigo dehumanizes Macabea twice in one sentence. First by telling the readers that she isn’t even aware that she exist and then again right after by comparing her to a dog. When comparing Macabea to Olimpico, Rodrigo writes, “Olimpico concerned himself with important things but Macabea only noticed unimportant things such as herself” (51). Here Rodrigo uses other characters to show how little of a human Macabea is. The end of the sentence Lispector uses very harsh, quick diction to really exemplify how unimportant she truly is in others eyes. Rodrigo blantly belittles her again when he writes, “As a little girl, because she had no one to kiss, she often used to kiss the wall. Embracing the wall was like embracing herself” (78). This time Rodrigo compares her to a wall. A wall isn’t just a random object, it is one of the most boring, lifeless things someone could be compared to. Macabea going to a wall for such an intimate thing like kissing is unusual because a wall is not something people often go to seeking comfort or warmth, a wall is an object that is looked at to be such a cold, bare, bland thing. A wall is such a concrete thing with one purpose, to be a wall. Sure, people can hang things up on it and paint it but at the end of the day it is nothing more than a cold inanimate object. Rodrigo using this object to talk about Macabea illustrates the cold, bland person that she is, if a person at all.
ReplyDeleteLastly we see neither, Macabea nor Rodrigo dehumanizing her, we see Olimpico, her boyfriend even doing it. When she tries to sing for the very first time he says to her, “-You look like a deaf-mute trying to sing. Your voice is like a broken reed” (51). Olimpico is not even allowing her to try new things, she suddenly posses the courage to take a chance and let her song be heard and he immediately brings her down. Music is one of the most human things, it is universal, every culture enjoys music. He criticises her desire to take part in such a joyful, human experience. In taking away her rights to enjoy the little things in life he dehumanizes her illustrating to the readers that she is nothing more than a fragile object.
ReplyDelete(Sorry I am posting my Biblical post right now, I was at competition this weekend in Tacoma)
ReplyDelete"...for were I to touch the girl's bread, that bread would turn to gold..." (15)
For this I found two possible biblical references. First of all, I thought of the story in the bible of when Jesus turned water into wine, however I also thought of the story of when he made bread accessible to feed many people. I am still contemplating this reference, but I do believe that is the basis of the meaning.
"Prayer was a means of confronting myself in silence away from the gaze of others. As I prayed I emptied my soul- and this emptiness is everything that I can ever hope to possess...-to my mystery" (14).
Based on our conversations back in the last unit, this was a striking paragraph in the novella. Personally, I believe religion is the key and tool to find one's existence on earth. Therefore, Rodrigo is using religion and prayer to seek his existence, even when he claimed to be unsure what an origin of something/body truly came from. This isn't a true biblical reference, but I find it interesting, as it contemplates his ideas behind the story, and finding himself.
"Meantime, I want to walk naked or in rags; I want to experience at least once the insipid flavour of the Host....sentiments from the past" (19).
We can interpret this passage as one that is a symbol for Jesus or finding enlightenment. Hence the representation of rags. Before Jesus's death, he wore little to no clothing, and reflected on his life. Also, along with the rest of the passage, the mention of "immerse myself in nothingness" can be a representation of how he believes that life is meaningless, but can also symbolize how he is looking for a meaning. This is confusing, but it all is based on how one interprets it.
"...I read the story of the old man who was afraid to cross the river" (21)
Okay, this one is super vague, but this particular sentence can relate to the biblical story of Jesus walking on water. In the bible, it explains that fishermen (I think) wanted to cross a river, but then they saw Jesus. He told them to trust him, and they could walk, and they believed him and the miracle in which they walked on water happened. Again, this is barely relating to the sentence, but it still gets the general idea.
"The anonymous girl of this story is so ancient that she could be described as biblical" (30)
Well, if one observes the history of the bible, one can say, it is quite old. So quite literally, (and figuratively), the girl is old enough to be considered to be documented as well as the bible. This is hard to explain in words, but basically, she has lead a long enough life, that the events were old enough and relevant enough to relate to modern day life.
In the novella, Lispector uses Rodrigo's sense of hatred to portray a cold temperment towards Macabea. One of which is the motif of Cold Coffee. On page 27, Rodrigo mentions that Macabea is "...as appetizing as cold coffee" (27), which is a symbol for her appearance not being aesthetically pleasing and/or socially acceptable. Rodrigo has this sort of hatred towards her, and uses cold diction to separate Macabea from society even more than she already stands out. Being a quiet woman, she generally keeps things to herself. Cold Coffee is generally associated with Macabea, and on page 33, she took "...a few sips of cold coffee before going to bed. She paid for this luxury by waking up with heartburn" (33), which can symbolize the negative events in which happen to her during her daily life. How unfortunate for Lispector to pose this fate on Macabea. With the cold coffee metaphor, is more negativity in which Rodrigo adds. Even Rodrigo accepts that everyone is "...sad and lonely..." (40). The urban world has taken over such small events in our lives, that we cannot perform solk, and socially. On page 47, Macabea and Olimpico only talk about food, on the rare occurance when they do, and this can be a representation of how the urban world is dehumanizing human contact, and we find ourselves in awkward, icy situations, because we as humans are incapable of carrying on a conversation with people we may not even know. Nevertheless, Rodrigo mentions diction and symbols in which isolate Macabea from the urban society, and creates this stigma of worthlessness around Macabea.
ReplyDeleteRodrigo is a super savage when it comes to describing Macabea. At first he states, “No one paid any attention to her on the street, for she was as appetizing as cold coffee” (27). Here, simile is used to to compare Macabea to something you only notice when it disgusts you. No one would ever notice cold coffee unless they started to drink it, not knowing it was cold, and then unintentionally gag on it because of its disgustingness.The effect is also done to dehumanize her.
ReplyDeleteAnother instance is, “The girl did not know that she existed, just as a dog doesn’t know that it’s a dog” (27). Macabea is compared to a dog to literally take away her humility. Often in literature, when a person is compared to a dog, it’s to make them seem unimportant as an excuse for usually inexcusable circumstances.
The next quote is, “Her life was so monotonous that by the end of the day she could no longer remember what had happened that morning” (33). The urban world is a severe and terrible place, and Lispector wants to reinforce that idea by showing the reality of the life of the urban poor.
Another quote is, “But Macabea’s voice was as rough and tuneless as the rest of her body” (50). While this may be true, Rodrigo isn’t sparing any harshness when it comes to depicting her. He isn’t describing her as a human would describe another human; It’s almost as if he’s simply detailing an object.
Rodrigo also says, talking about Macabea, “Truly she seemed to have been conceived from some vague notion in the minds of starving parents” (57). Not only is Rodrigo putting down Macabea, but he is humiliating her parents for having her in the first place. Rodrigo is insensitive to Macabea, and he makes this apparent by putting her down, and turning her into nothing more than something to be made fun of.
The finally Rodrigo says, “Olímpico probably realized that Macabea lacked substance like most inferior products” (58). Rodrigo’s unfeeling and cruel descriptions of Macabea get increasingly harsher as the novel progresses, as Rodrigo now calls her an ‘inferior product’, as in something that is a mess up and no one wants and should be thrown away.
“[She] scarcely has a body to sell; nobody desires her..."(14).
ReplyDelete“Even though I have nothing to do with the girl, I shall have to write everything through her, trapped as I am by my own fears” (24).
“For she gave the impression of having no blood unless a day might come when she would have to spill it” (25).
“The girl did not know that she existed, just as a dog doesn't know that it's a dog”(27).
“Gosh, it sounds like the name of a disease...a skin disease" (43).
“... nobody wants her, she's a virgin and harmless, nobody would miss her" (6).
Lispector uses dehumanizing diction to emphasize how society perceives the rich and the poor. This causes the reader to rethink their views on society because the diction is used in the extreme. Rodrigo describes Macabéa and other poor people like they do not have anything important and that them themselves are unimportant to society. He also describes them in the way that if any of them disappeared, society would not be affected at all because they are not an important piece in society. This all makes the reader believe that maybe this is how everyone thinks, even though it is flawed. It makes the reader believe that they should try to change this aspect of society. However, at the same time Rodrigo does this, it is argued that he sometimes feel sympathy and compassion towards Macabéa. He does this barely as he highlights some of her redeeming qualities, but, more often than not, he is bringing her down in some way or trying to emphasize her inability to escape impoverishment. The argument that Rodrigo does not dehumanize Macabéa to an extent is flawed because in order to have an objective point of view, Rodrigo has to show both sides of Macabea. If he did not show both sides of her and her society, then he would no longer be an objective observer/writer of this story.
The Hour of the Star is classified as an Experimental Novel because of several reasons. An Experimental novel is a completely different style of writing that doesn’t follow normal writing techniques despite the fact that it might come across as confusing or hard to read. First, after the Author’s Dedication there is a list of thirteen possible titles for the book. Most ordinary books don’t have this feature; authors usually just choose a title without informing readers of the other possible contenders were. I think Lispector did this to help the audience understand the book better. Each of these titles has their own specific meaning and relate to different aspects of the book. Not only do these titles bring about a specific theme, but throughout the novel, each title is referenced by name. Another example that makes this book and Experimental novel is the fact the narrator, Rodrigo, breaks the fourth wall. Rodrigo writes, “Just as well that what I am about to write is already written deep inside of me” (Lispector 20). Here Rodrigo is telling readers about the story that he is “about to write” when really the book has already began. This being said, part of the book is about the narrator explaining how he is going to portray Macabéa’s story and the other part is her actual story. Rodrigo also breaks the fourth wall when he is in the middle of talking about Macabéa. This technique is very uncommon in ordinary books. In addition, the punctuation used is very different and supports the idea of an Experimental novel. Lispector uses the word “bang” in parenthesis several times throughout the novel. This onomatopoeia seems to be placed randomly throughout the book, but it is actually used before something significant happens or before Macabéa has a change in emotion. This is a very interesting technique and is like foreshadowing but with the use of only one word. For example, Lispector writes, “The moment she stepped off the pavement, Destiny (bang) swift and greedy, whispered: now, quickly, for my hour has come!” (79). Lispector uses “bang” to foreshadow that Macabéa is about to get hit by a car and die moments after. Lastly, this book is an Experimental novel because it doesn’t really have a start. At the beginning of the novel Lispector writes, “How does one start at the beginning, if things happen before they actually happen?” (11). On the first page of the actual book, Lispector questions how things start which is a parallel to the book. For a good chunk of the novel, Rodrigo is just talking about how he is going to tell the story instead of starting the story right away. Normal literature usually has a beginning, middle and an end, whereas this book seems almost timeless with no discreet beginnings and ends.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the question asked, an Experimental Novel is one in which doesn't fall into a set category of writing. In this case, The Hour of The Star is considered one, because it deals with finding the internal meaning of existentialsm. Incredibly complex, indeed, and there are examples in which prove this novel to be experimental. First off, the size of the novel. it appears short and sweet, however as one begins to read, it is far more complex than speculated. The length of the book can also be interpreted as a foreshadow to Macabea's death, and her short amount of fame. References to metaphors such as stars also play a role in the experimental side. Lispector plays with these symbols to convey a bigger idea to the theme and plot. One of which is on page 28, when Rodrigo mentions, "For at the hour of death you become a celebrated film star..." which conveys the idea that since her death is coming soon, her fame is coming also. This whole spectrum around death is part of the experimental novel, because it seems that Lispector is playing with her emotions a bit. Also, the last example of how Lispector created this "experimental novel", is the use of Rodrigo to contemplate her views on life and religion. She utilizes him in a certain way that works with the theme, however at parts it is confusing, and she switches her play on formatting; (He/she or dashes). The book in its entirety is a great example of an experimental novel, and many factors contribute to this title of an experimental novel.
ReplyDelete“The person I’m going to talk about is so dumb that she sometimes smiles at other people on the street. Nobody smiles back at her because they do not even look at her.” (7).
ReplyDeleteThis quote creates a tone that makes the reader pity Macabea but also want the best for her. This represents an experimental novel because the reader realizes she is diffidently an average, bland person but also the focus of the novel. Additionally, with this quote, Lispector creates room for Macabea to become an antihero and provides insight into her character. All of this creates a sympathetic tone that draws the reader to feel more sympathy for Macabea.
“Yes, she was happy insider her neurosis. War neurosis.” (27).
Essentially, this quote illustrates that there is an internal conflict within Macabea. The reader feels that Macabea has inner conflict that may not be visible within her façade of happiness. Lispector communicates that Macabea may be more aware than she gives off. This also shows that she is motivated by unconscious considerations. Also, this fits the experimental novel description because it illustrates that Macabea has an internal conflict.
“And then (small explosion) Macabea stared wide. Because amidst the dirty disorder of the lowest reaches of the middle class there was nonetheless the dull comfort of people who spend all of their money on food, in that neighborhood people ate a lot.” (57).
Firstly, Lispector shows how Macabea can see the differences in the life she experiences and the world around her. Consequently, she elicits a tone of isolation from the world. Essentially, this demonstrates the irrationality of the world by the fact that there is such a wealth disparity. This is a quality of an experimental novel.
“She was afraid and didn’t understand them: why did they live?”
Although this may seem insignificant, Lispector hints at an internal conflict in Macabea that may be unconscious. With her visit to the zoo and the questions that subsequently follow, Lispector shows that Macabea is confused by her purpose and struggles to understand others. This makes her both an antihero and have a psychological conflict, which are characteristics of an experimental novel.
When trying to understand why The Hour of the Star is an experimental novel it is first important to understand what one is. An experimental novel is a completely new, innovative style of writing that does not follow any standard form of writing techniques and also does not fit under any pre-set category of writing. Many experimental novels are classed as metafiction, a category of narrative that has defied tradition by breaking the illusion of fiction. For example, the characters in the story may be aware that they are fictional. Likewise, the author may break into the story line with speculations about how the story should continue. This factor is seen many times in this novel Rodrigo often begins to talk about his style of writing or his view on Macabea rather than telling the story. Another factor of experimental novels is that the main characters tend to be depicted as hateful, disgusting human beings. This is definitely a factor seen in the novel for example with Olimpico, Olimpico is not a man that I favour and I don’t believe I’m the only one who thinks poorly of him. He is very inconsiderate towards anyones feelings and it is almost as if he is characterized as being crazy, looking at his strange love for blood and death. He is also shown to be very self-centered and superficial. However, he is not the only one characterized poorly. Macabea is also illustrated to be gross, ugly, stupid, and many is given many other awful traits. Another factor of experimental novels Lispector uses is an unreliable narrator. In this novel Rodrigo is very unreliable, he often contradicts himself making the reader unsure of what is real and what is false. Also the narrator often writes by using a stream of consciousness, instead of delivering a clear story, the writer will ramble on about this and that, piling digression upon digression. This can be seen on almost every page of this novel, Rodrigo will be telling a story and then it suddenly get bombarded by his views on the characters or reasons why he writes the way he does.
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