Os ratos - Dyonelio Machado [Fuvest 2025]

Summary

In this video, the narrator provides a detailed analysis of *Os Ratos* by Dionélio Machado, a Brazilian novel set during the 1930s. The story follows Naziazeno Barbosa, a man struggling with debt and poverty, as he tries to gather money to pay off a milkman. The novel highlights the psychological tension and existential struggles of the protagonist while critiquing the harsh economic realities of the time. Through the lens of social realism and regionalism, the book portrays the devastating effects of poverty and the pressures of survival in a capitalist society, ultimately exploring the human condition under financial duress.

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Q & A

What is the main theme of *Os Ratos* by Dionélio Machado?

The main theme of *Os Ratos* is the exploration of social critique, particularly the struggles of the working class in a period of economic hardship, and the psychological toll of poverty and debt. The novel critiques capitalism and explores the consequences of systemic inequality.

What is the significance of the protagonist, Naziazeno Barbosa, in the novel?

Naziazeno Barbosa is a representation of the working-class individual caught in a cycle of debt, helplessness, and self-delusion. His struggles with financial instability and his inability to take responsibility for his situation highlight the broader social issues faced by people in his position.

How does the setting of Porto Alegre contribute to the novel's social critique?

The setting of Porto Alegre during the 1930s, a period marked by economic turmoil and poverty in Brazil, serves as a backdrop for the characters' struggles. The regional setting emphasizes the social and economic conditions that exacerbate the protagonist's difficulties, making it an integral part of the novel's critique of capitalism and societal inequality.

What role does psychological analysis play in *Os Ratos*?

Psychological analysis is central to the novel, particularly in understanding Naziazeno's inner turmoil, guilt, and self-criticism. His internal monologues and the narrative's use of free indirect discourse explore his emotional and psychological state, highlighting the mental burden of financial distress and the psychological impact of poverty.

How does the novel address the theme of debt and financial instability?

Debt and financial instability are key elements in the novel. Naziazeno's constant struggle to repay debts, particularly his 53,000 réis owed to the milkman, showcases the crippling effect of debt on his life. His failure to resolve these issues illustrates the cyclical nature of financial hardship and its dehumanizing effects.

What is the significance of the interactions between Naziazeno and his friends, like Duque and Alcides?

The interactions between Naziazeno and his friends reveal the transactional nature of relationships in times of financial crisis. While Duque and Alcides offer help, they also stand to benefit from Naziazeno’s situation, highlighting the self-serving attitudes that can emerge in economically strained environments.

How does the novel depict the influence of Freudian psychology on Naziazeno's character?

Freudian psychology is evident in Naziazeno's inner conflict, guilt, and self-reproach. His constant internal dialogues about his debts and failures reflect the psychological theories of repression, guilt, and the subconscious mind, with his mental state deteriorating as a result of his inability to change his circumstances.

Why is the character of Adelaide important in the novel?

Adelaide, Naziazeno’s wife, plays a critical role in the novel by representing the emotional and moral anchor of the family. Her concern for their son’s well-being and her stress over their financial struggles contrast with Naziazeno’s more indifferent attitude. Her character also highlights the gender dynamics in the novel, with her being portrayed as more passive compared to Naziazeno's indecisiveness.

What does the symbolism of rats in the novel represent?

The rats symbolize the destructive and dehumanizing forces that gnaw away at Naziazeno's efforts to escape his financial troubles. His paranoid thoughts about rats chewing the money he fought to acquire reflect his growing sense of futility and the idea that no matter how hard he tries, he cannot escape his debts or improve his life.

What does the ending of the novel suggest about the resolution of Naziazeno’s problems?

The ending of *Os Ratos* suggests that Naziazeno’s problems remain unresolved. While he temporarily solves the issue with the milkman, he only acquires more debt, reinforcing the idea that financial instability is a perpetual cycle for the working class. The novel ends with a sense of hopelessness, as Naziazeno finds no true escape from his economic and psychological struggles.