Olhar da personagem feminina, paternalismo e tradição patriarcal: um motivo machadiano

Abstract

This article aims to explore, within Machado de Assis’s fictional works, a connection between  the  conduct  of female  characters’  eyes  and  the  literary  representation of Brazilian paternalism in the 19th century. This microelement of plot—which involves gender  and generally class  opposition  in  interpersonal  relationships-creates  a contradiction  (the  free  movement  of  eyes  as  an  image of  individual  autonomy  vs.strict  personal  subordination) that  seems  to  constitute  a  privileged  point  for grasping a social process marked by non-mediated subordination, which must curb signs  of  equality.  After  briefly addressing  the  issue  of  paternalism,  the  article presents  specific  instances  of  this  Machadian  motif, followed  by  a general commentary. Next, the article suggests a reconnection of this theme to the broader framework of European literature—a framework that post-1848 modernity appears to  displace,  allowing  for  a critical  reevaluation  of  tradition.  The  article  traces  this resumption within Machado’s oeuvre and concludes with a comment on “Noite de almirante”  (“Admiral’s  Night”), which  perhaps  holds  an  exceptional  place  in  this context.