DOM CASMURRO, DE MACHADO DE ASSIS (#54)

Summary

In this review of 'Dom Casmurro' by Machado de Assis, the narrator critiques the book’s cover, which portrays a misleading, simplistic view of the complex narrative. The book, one of the most important in Brazilian literature, explores the mysterious relationship between Bento Santiago (Dom Casmurro) and his wife, Capitu, whom he believes betrayed him. The review highlights the unreliable nature of Bento’s narration, offering a deeper look at the themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the ambiguity of truth. The narrator emphasizes how 'Dom Casmurro' challenges readers to solve its mysteries and reflects on how appearances can deceive.

Takeaways

• 😀 The book *Dom Casmurro* by Machado de Assis explores the difference between appearance and essence, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond the surface.
• 😀 The cover art of the 2015 edition of *Dom Casmurro* is criticized for misrepresenting the characters and tone of the novel.
• 😀 The narrator of the story, Bento Santiago (Dom Casmurro), is unreliable, and his version of events is biased by jealousy, insecurity, and remorse.
• 😀 The character Capitu, despite being portrayed as mysterious and cunning, is not truly understood, as all knowledge about her comes from Bento’s skewed perspective.
• 😀 Capitu’s eyes, described as ‘gypsy eyes’ and ‘eyes of a hangover,’ are symbolic of her enigmatic nature, but Bento’s interpretation of them may be distorted.
• 😀 The novel presents a complex and unresolved mystery about whether Capitu actually betrayed Bento with his best friend, or if Bento’s jealousy created a false narrative.
• 😀 *Dom Casmurro* is considered one of the most important works in Brazilian literature, and for some, it’s close to being one of the greatest books in world literature.
• 😀 The protagonist’s name, Dom Casmurro, reflects his grumpy, cynical, and remorseful nature, which influences the way he tells the story of his life.
• 😀 The book is a first-person narrative, which means the reader only has access to Bento's subjective point of view, making it hard to trust his account of events.
• 😀 Many people engage in a ‘Capitu’s trial’ exercise, where they try to determine whether Capitu was truly guilty of betrayal, with differing conclusions depending on interpretation.
• 😀 The book’s central mystery remains unsolved, even for the reviewer after multiple readings, and is left to the reader’s interpretation, adding to the allure and complexity of the narrative.

Q & A

What is the central theme of *Dom Casmurro* by Machado de Assis, as described in the review?

The central theme of *Dom Casmurro* revolves around jealousy, mistrust, and the complexity of human relationships. The book explores the possibility of betrayal, focusing on the unreliable narration of the protagonist, Bento Santiago, as he believes his wife Capitu has been unfaithful to him.

How does the narrator, Bento Santiago, influence the perception of Capitu?

Bento Santiago, the narrator, portrays Capitu in a negative light, describing her with suspicious characteristics such as 'deceitful eyes.' However, his perspective is biased, and much of the narrative is shaped by his paranoia and insecurities, leading to a one-sided and possibly unreliable depiction of her.

What is meant by the term 'Dom Casmurro' and how does it reflect the character of Bento Santiago?

'Dom Casmurro' is a nickname for Bento Santiago, reflecting his grumpy, bitter, and resentful nature. It symbolizes his emotional state, marked by jealousy and a lack of joy, and serves as a reflection of his mental and emotional turmoil throughout the novel.

Why does the reviewer claim that Bento Santiago is an unreliable narrator?

The reviewer claims Bento Santiago is an unreliable narrator because he is emotionally driven and biased. His account is shaped by his paranoia, guilt, and need to justify his actions, making him unreliable in portraying the truth about Capitu’s behavior.

What is the 'Capitu's trial' exercise, and how does it engage with the themes of the book?

The 'Capitu's trial' exercise is a game played by law and literature students, where they search for evidence in the book to either prove or disprove Capitu's alleged infidelity. It engages with the book’s themes by encouraging readers to critically analyze the narrative and the uncertainty surrounding Capitu’s actions.

What does the reviewer think about Capitu's character, and why?

The reviewer appreciates Capitu as a strong, intelligent, and complex character but points out that we cannot truly know her, as all the information we get about her is from Bento's biased perspective. The reviewer also challenges the common interpretation of Capitu, questioning whether she is truly guilty of the betrayal Bento accuses her of.

What is the significance of the book’s cover, according to the review?

The reviewer criticizes the book’s cover for its oversimplified and unflattering portrayal of Capitu, calling it an 'ugly' representation. The cover’s depiction contrasts with the complexity of the book's themes, and the reviewer uses this as a metaphor for the novel’s message—that appearances can be deceptive, and one should not judge by them alone.

Why does the reviewer describe *Dom Casmurro* as a 'mystery'?

The reviewer describes *Dom Casmurro* as a 'mystery' because of its complex, ambiguous nature, particularly surrounding the question of Capitu’s fidelity. The novel is filled with hidden information, unreliable narration, and conflicting perspectives, making it a puzzle that readers struggle to solve, much like a detective story.

What role does the legal profession play in the interpretation of the book?

The legal profession is referenced through Bento Santiago’s background as a lawyer, which the reviewer connects to his tendency to present information in a biased, self-serving way. The review notes that good lawyers, like Bento, may omit or manipulate details to support their arguments, reflecting the unreliable nature of the narrator in the book.

How does the reviewer suggest readers approach *Dom Casmurro*?

The reviewer suggests that readers approach *Dom Casmurro* with an open mind and a critical eye, emphasizing the importance of questioning the narrator's account. The reviewer encourages readers to explore the ambiguity and complexity of the characters, particularly Capitu, and not take everything at face value. They also recommend editions with good footnotes to help navigate the novel's challenging language.