CAPÍTULO DOS CHAPÉUS - MACHADO DE ASSIS

Summary

In this engaging video, the speaker breaks down the 1884 short story 'O Chapéu' by Machado de Assis, exploring the conflict between traditional and modern gender roles. Mariana, the protagonist, struggles with societal expectations as her father criticizes her husband’s 'ridiculous' hat. This leads her to question her role in marriage and her identity as a woman. With themes of romanticism versus realism, the story critiques the shifting dynamics of gender roles in society. Ultimately, Mariana’s choice reflects the complex tension between tradition and modernity, showcasing her internal conflict and the pressures of societal norms.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story *O Chapéu* by Machado de Assis was published in 1884 and critiques the duality of women's roles during that time.
• 😀 The narrative contrasts two types of women: the traditional, domestic woman (Mariana) and the modern, social woman (Sofia).
• 😀 Mariana's father criticizes her husband's old-fashioned hat, which leads to a discussion about social appearances and status.
• 😀 Mariana, influenced by her father's opinions, tries to convince her husband to change his hat to improve his public image.
• 😀 The husband defends his hat by claiming it is an essential, metaphysical part of his identity, showing the importance of tradition and individual preference.
• 😀 Mariana, after the conversation with her husband, becomes frustrated and reflects on her role as a woman, comparing herself to other modern women like Sofia.
• 😀 Mariana visits her modern friend Sofia, who represents a woman of the Realism period, and seeks advice about her marital conflict.
• 😀 Sofia advises Mariana to be strong and assertive, suggesting she either change her husband's behavior or stop interacting with him altogether.
• 😀 Mariana begins to feel envious of Sofia's independent and modern lifestyle, which contrasts with her own more traditional existence.
• 😀 The climax of the story occurs when Mariana returns home and finds that her husband bought a new hat to please her, but she ultimately prefers the old one, symbolizing her return to the familiar, romantic world.
• 😀 The story ends by highlighting the tension between traditional and modern values, showing Mariana's decision to stay within the romantic, domestic role rather than embracing modern independence.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the story 'Chapéus' by Machado de Assis?

The main theme of 'Chapéus' focuses on the duality of the role of women in modern society, contrasting the traditional romantic ideals with the emerging modern, more liberated women in a realist context.

How does the story explore the role of women in the context of modernity and romanticism?

The story contrasts two female characters: Mariana, a typical romantic woman, and Sofia, a modern, realist woman. Mariana represents the ideal of a woman confined to the domestic sphere, while Sofia embodies the modern woman who is socially active, independent, and critical of traditional roles.

What is the significance of the hat in the story?

The hat symbolizes the societal expectations and the roles that individuals, particularly men, must adhere to. Mariana's father criticizes her husband for wearing an outdated and socially inferior hat, representing his struggle with social conformity, which Mariana internalizes.

How does the husband, the lawyer, justify his choice of wearing the same old hat?

The lawyer defends his choice by philosophizing that the hat is not just a piece of clothing but an integral extension of his identity. He argues that changing it would be a physical and metaphysical sacrifice, as the hat is an essential part of him.

What does Mariana's reaction to her husband's explanation reveal about her character?

Mariana's reaction reveals her naivety and deep internalization of societal expectations. She accepts her husband's reasoning but is still swayed by her father's and society's criticisms, showing her conflict between traditional values and modern pressures.

Why does Mariana visit Sofia, and how does Sofia influence her decisions?

Mariana visits Sofia to seek advice about her marital issues. Sofia, as a modern woman, encourages Mariana to be more assertive and not tolerate her husband's behavior. Sofia's advice leads Mariana to rebel against her husband's choices, reinforcing the theme of the contrasting roles of women in society.

How does the interaction with the ex-boyfriend, Dr. Viçoso, shape Mariana's views?

Dr. Viçoso, a successful and intellectual figure, serves as a reminder to Mariana of her former life and ideals. His criticism of her passive lifestyle and her alienation from the social and political world causes Mariana to reflect on her current role as a domestic, romantic woman.

What is the significance of the 'Rua do Ouvidor' in the story?

The Rua do Ouvidor represents the social elite and modernity. It's a place where women like Sofia can be seen and admired, showcasing the divide between the romantic, home-bound women like Mariana and the more socially active, progressive women.

How does the story end, and what message does it convey?

The story ends with Mariana returning home to find that her husband bought a new hat to please her. However, she rejects it, symbolizing her return to her previous mindset and the reassertion of the traditional, domestic role. The ending highlights the struggle between modernity and tradition, showing how difficult it is for women like Mariana to break free from the societal constraints.

What does the story suggest about the role of women in Machado de Assis's time?

The story critiques the limited and conflicting roles that women were expected to play during the period. On one hand, they were expected to be obedient, romantic figures confined to domestic spaces; on the other, they were beginning to experience greater freedoms and independence, as exemplified by Sofia and the emerging modern women.