O ESPELHO | Machado de Assis | Resumo + Análise

Summary

In this video, the narrator delves into the short story 'O Espelho' by Machado de Assis, which is part of the Unicamp entrance exam reading list. The story follows Jacóbina, who proposes a theory about humans having two souls—an internal and an external one. Through his experience as a young military officer, Jacóbina explores the duality between essence and appearance, culminating in a moment of self-realization when he loses his humanity. The video offers a deep analysis of the story's themes, narrative techniques, and intertextual references, providing valuable insights for students preparing for the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrator, Jacóbin, presents his theory about the human soul in the story 'The Mirror,' asserting that humans have two souls: an internal soul (essence) and an external soul (appearance).
• 😀 The setting begins with four or five men engaging in a discussion, and Jacóbin remains silent, refusing to participate at first, suggesting he is too 'superior' to engage in such human debates.
• 😀 Jacóbin's theory on the two souls is presented as a philosophical monologue, rejecting interruption and only offering his theory if he is allowed to speak without interference.
• 😀 Jacóbin explains that the internal soul represents true essence—emotions, opinions, and beliefs—while the external soul reflects how society sees us and how we present ourselves.
• 😀 In recounting an event from his past, Jacóbin shares how he became a military officer at age 25, and how this new status shifted his relationships with friends, revealing envy from others.
• 😀 A key moment of irony is the aunt’s obsession with Jacóbin's new title, referring to him only as 'Alferes,' even though he expresses discomfort with this title, highlighting social appearance versus personal identity.
• 😀 The aunt's house, where Jacóbin stays, is depicted as wealthy, and the presence of slaves in her household is subtly linked to the historical context of 19th-century Brazil's slavery.
• 😀 The mirror, which the aunt places in Jacóbin's room, becomes a symbol of self-reflection and identity as he confronts his loss of humanity after becoming consumed with his external appearance and military rank.
• 😀 Jacóbin’s ultimate realization in front of the mirror is that he has lost his humanity and become consumed by his external identity, no longer embodying both internal and external souls, but only the external one.
• 😀 The story explores themes of appearance versus essence, and the importance of human connection and identity beyond social titles and external recognition.
• 😀 The narrative includes references to Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' and Edgar Allan Poe’s work, utilizing intertextuality to draw parallels between Jacóbin's identity crisis and other literary figures who grapple with the loss of self.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the short story 'O Espelho' by Machado de Assis?

The main theme of 'O Espelho' revolves around the concept of duality in human nature, as presented through the protagonist Jacobina's theory of two souls: one internal (true essence) and one external (the persona shown to the world). The story explores how external roles and appearances can overshadow or conflict with one’s inner self.

Who is Jacobina, and what role does he play in the story?

Jacobina is the protagonist in the story, portrayed as a character who initially observes a group of men discussing important matters but later becomes the center of the narrative. He introduces his theory about the duality of the human soul and shares a personal story to support his idea, culminating in a profound realization about his own identity.

What is the significance of the title 'O Espelho' and the subtitle 'Esboço de uma nova teoria da alma humana'?

The title 'O Espelho' (The Mirror) reflects the central theme of self-reflection and the duality of human nature, symbolized by the mirror. The subtitle 'Esboço de uma nova teoria da alma humana' (Outline of a New Theory of the Human Soul) is crucial as it introduces Jacobina's theory that humans possess two distinct souls: one internal and one external.

Why does Jacobina refuse to participate in the discussion at first, and what does this reveal about his character?

Jacobina refuses to participate in the discussion because he considers it a human weakness, preferring to remain detached and not engage in such mundane debates. His refusal reflects his pretentious and self-important nature, as he believes he is above the trivialities of ordinary human concerns.

How does Jacobina explain his theory of two souls?

Jacobina explains that humans have two souls: the internal soul, which represents our true essence—our emotions, opinions, and ideologies—and the external soul, which is the persona we show to the world, influenced by external factors and how others perceive us. This theory emphasizes the distinction between one's inner identity and the outward appearance.

What is the significance of Jacobina’s story about receiving a military rank at the age of 25?

Jacobina’s story about receiving the rank of 'alferes' (a military officer rank) serves to illustrate how external recognition and status can shape a person’s identity. It also highlights the envy and superficiality present in society, as Jacobina reflects on how some people, who previously praised him, began to resent him due to his newfound status.

How does Jacobina's encounter with the mirror contribute to the story’s climax?

Jacobina's encounter with the mirror serves as the story’s climax, where he experiences a profound identity crisis. When he looks into the mirror while wearing his military uniform, he only sees a blurred image of himself. This moment symbolizes his loss of his internal soul and the dominance of his external persona, highlighting his shift from a complex individual to someone defined solely by his status.

What does Jacobina’s realization in front of the mirror signify about the nature of human identity?

Jacobina’s realization in front of the mirror signifies that human identity is not solely defined by external roles or appearances. His loss of his internal soul and his obsession with his military rank point to the dangers of prioritizing societal status over one’s true essence, leading to a disconnection from one’s authentic self.

How does Machado de Assis use irony in the narrative of 'O Espelho'?

Machado de Assis uses irony throughout the narrative, particularly through the character of Jacobina and the discussions of the men around him. The idea that they are debating grand, existential matters while being completely detached from real-world issues serves as a critique of intellectual elitism and the empty nature of such discussions. The irony is further emphasized by Jacobina's exaggerated sense of importance.

What role do intertextual references play in 'O Espelho'?

Intertextual references in 'O Espelho' enrich the narrative by drawing connections to other literary works. For example, the story references Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice' and the character of Shylock, who faces a loss of identity due to his external wealth. This parallel highlights the theme of the external soul and the dangers of defining identity through external factors, much like Jacobina’s obsession with his military rank.