Resumo da obra “A Viuvinha” - José de Alencar

Summary

José de Alencar’s 1857 novel 'A Viuvinha' tells the story of Jorge, a wealthy and impulsive young man who, after squandering his fortune, seeks redemption. He meets Carolina, a delicate and loving woman, and they fall in love. However, overwhelmed by shame, Jorge tries to take his life but is saved by his former guardian, Senhor Almeida. After five years, Jorge returns to Rio de Janeiro, determined to pay his debts and reunite with Carolina. The two reconnect through a series of anonymous letters, and they are joyously reunited. The novel explores themes of love, redemption, and societal pressures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novel *A Viuvinha* was published in 1857 and presents a romantic, urban story with a happy ending.
• 😀 The story revolves around Jorge, a young, rich, and heroic man who overcomes his flaws and transforms into a responsible individual.
• 😀 Social inequality, the fragility of women, the role of money, and religion are central themes explored in the novel.
• 😀 The book is divided into 16 chapters and was initially written for a serialized format (folhetim).
• 😀 The main female character, Carolina, is a delicate and passionate young woman with dark, bright eyes and long eyelashes.
• 😀 The plot begins with Jorge's life of excess and irresponsibility, which leads him to a period of regret and self-reflection.
• 😀 Jorge meets Carolina in a church and, after three months of courtship, they decide to marry.
• 😀 Just before their wedding, Jorge learns that he is broke and indebted, which leads him to contemplate suicide.
• 😀 On the night of his intended suicide, Jorge is saved by Senhor Almeida, his former guardian, who sends him abroad to rebuild his life.
• 😀 Five years later, Jorge returns to Rio de Janeiro, having matured and now seeking to pay off his debts and reunite with Carolina.
• 😀 Jorge anonymously writes letters to Carolina and arranges a blind meeting, where they finally reunite, resulting in a joyful ending.

Q & A

When was 'A Viuvinha' published, and what is its primary genre?

'A Viuvinha' was published in 1857 and is primarily an urban romance.

What are the key characteristics of the protagonist, Jorge?

Jorge is portrayed as a wealthy, handsome, and honest man who is in the prime of his life. He initially wastes his fortune, but later seeks redemption.

How is society depicted in 'A Viuvinha'?

The society in 'A Viuvinha' is shown as unequal, with clear social divisions. There is a focus on the fragility of women and the role of money in societal life.

What role does money play in the story?

Money plays a significant role in the story, driving both the plot and the characters' actions, especially Jorge's downfall and his eventual quest for redemption.

What is the significance of Jorge’s actions after receiving news of his former guardian's financial troubles?

Jorge’s actions after learning about his guardian's financial troubles set the stage for his emotional conflict. Despite being broke, he still marries Carolina, but later flees on their wedding night, intending to end his life.

How does Jorge's attempt to commit suicide get thwarted?

Jorge’s suicide attempt is interrupted by Senhor Almeida, who prevents him from killing himself and sends him to the United States to earn money.

What is the role of Senhor Almeida in the story?

Senhor Almeida is a key character who initially serves as Jorge's guardian and later helps him avoid suicide. He plays a crucial role in Jorge's redemption by sending him abroad to earn money.

How does the relationship between Jorge and Carolina evolve throughout the story?

Jorge and Carolina's relationship begins with romantic love, but Jorge’s disappearance leads Carolina to be seen as a widow. Eventually, Jorge returns, and their love is rekindled through letters and a secret meeting.

What role does mystery play in the story?

Mystery is an essential element, particularly around Jorge’s disappearance and supposed death. The question of whether he truly died and his secretive return adds suspense to the narrative.

What is the narrative perspective of the story?

The story is told from a third-person perspective, with the narrator observing and recounting the events without direct involvement.