O Causo do Dia | 64

Summary

This humorous Brazilian tale revolves around a language misunderstanding. A countryman in São Paulo, unfamiliar with the French his daughters are learning, overhears the word 'Luti' and thinks it’s a fancy term. When his cook calls him for lunch, he requests that she use this 'French' word. The result is a comedic mix-up where everyone starts using 'Luti' in reference to him, thinking it’s a sophisticated term. This amusing story highlights the charm of cultural and language misunderstandings, bringing a light-hearted perspective to everyday life, all in the context of a traditional Brazilian 'causo.'

Takeaways

• 😀 The story involves a humorous misunderstanding between a farm owner and his cook.
• 😀 The farm owner, who is not educated in French, overhears French words being spoken by his daughters' tutor.
• 😀 The farm owner attempts to understand French, hearing it as 'Luti,' a misinterpretation of a French word.
• 😀 The farm owner, who is portrayed as somewhat miserly, does not invite his guests to eat with him.
• 😀 He instructs his cook to call him by the word 'Luti' when the meal is ready, thinking it’s the proper term.
• 😀 The farm owner’s misunderstanding continues when he tells his cook to use 'Luti' in front of his guests.
• 😀 This confusion is part of a broader theme of cultural and language barriers between the educated class and rural inhabitants.
• 😀 The farm owner’s behavior is contrasted with the educated class, who speak French and know finer manners.
• 😀 The misunderstanding becomes a running joke among the farm owner and his guests.
• 😀 The story ends with the introduction of a TV program that will share these humorous stories with a broader audience.

Q & A

What is the name of the person being referred to in the script who works with instruments?

The name mentioned is 'Luti', which seems to refer to a person associated with making instruments, potentially linked to lutherie, which is the craft of making stringed instruments like violins.

What does the term 'luteria' mean in the context of the script?

'Luteria' refers to the French word for the craft of making stringed instruments, particularly violins, violas, and cellos.

What is the significance of the reference to French in the story?

The reference to French highlights the cultural practices of the time, where daughters of landowners were required to study French, play the piano, and sing. This reflects the social norms and education of wealthy families in Brazil during that period.

What is the connection between the character’s background and his behavior in the story?

The character, a landowner from the interior, is described as coming from a humble background, which is why he struggles with the French language and exhibits behavior of exclusion, especially when he avoids inviting others to eat.

What is the 'causo' that is referenced multiple times in the script?

'Causo' refers to a traditional Brazilian tale or anecdote, typically humorous or surprising, often involving a life lesson or an amusing scenario.

Why does the landowner use the phrase 'Señor Luti' in the conversation?

The landowner, unfamiliar with French, adopts the phrase 'Señor Luti' when speaking to his employees, misunderstanding the French term for a social or formal greeting. This shows his lack of understanding of the language and his humorous approach to social interactions.

What does the landowner's interaction with the employees signify about his social status?

The landowner’s interaction with his employees demonstrates his disconnect from high society and his struggle to fit into the sophisticated culture of São Paulo. His use of incorrect phrases and his behavior illustrate his social awkwardness despite his wealth.

What role does the housekeeper play in the story?

The housekeeper, or 'criolla velha', plays a significant role by being the one who conveys the landowner’s message to his employees, further revealing his humble and unrefined character, especially in his communication.

How does the character's misunderstanding of the French language contribute to the humor in the story?

The humor arises from the landowner’s misinterpretation of French phrases and his attempt to blend in with the educated class. His misunderstanding, such as calling out 'Señor Luti,' makes the situation comical, as it reflects his lack of cultural sophistication.

What is the importance of the reference to the 'Avenida Paulista' in the story?

The 'Avenida Paulista' is an important landmark in São Paulo and serves as a setting that contrasts the rural origins of the landowner with the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city. It highlights the cultural and social gap between different classes in Brazil at that time.