Being the shortest book this term, Clarice Lispector’s Hour of the Star was an easy read in terms of length. However, despite the short length of the Novella, I found Lispector's writing style to be challenging at times. This rather dense writing style did, however, add a layer of richness and depth to the relatively simpler plot line of the story. Likewise, while the writer's frequent use of metaphor was overwhelming at times, they provided a unique lens through which to view the characters and their experiences. For example, when describing Macabéa's physical appearance, the writer uses the metaphor of a "broken doll," which conveys both her fragile nature and her sense of disconnection from the world around her.
For me, one of the most touching moments was when Macabéa goes on her first date with Olimpico. I found this to be significant because, in a way, it marks the first time where Macabéa experiences a sense of hope and possibility; in fact, I felt a little hopeful as well that this could be a turning point for her. Throughout the novella, Macabéa is portrayed as a lonely and isolated figure, stuck in the vicious cycle of poverty. However, during her date with Olimpico, she (and myself as a reader) begins to see herself as someone who is capable of being loved and desired. Sadly enough, this sense of hope was short-lived. Nonetheless, this moment emphasizes a key theme of the story- identity and self-worth. Macabéa's self-esteem is portrayed to be tied to her relationship with Olimpico, showing how our sense of self can be influenced by others' perceptions of us.
Besides, another moment that struck me is when Macabéa goes to the doctor. The doctor’s dismissive treatment towards her and the way she is made to feel small and insignificant illustrate the power dynamics at play. This moment also highlights the ways in which language can be used to reinforce power imbalances, as the doctor uses medical jargon to speak down to Macabéa. It angered me to read how she was denied access to quality healthcare and made to feel like a burden on the system. Regardless, this is the unfortunate reality. As someone who grew up in India, I have seen this happen first-hand with underprivileged groups.
Discussion question:
What were the most impactful moments for you while reading this book?
"The doctor's dismissive treatment towards her and the way she is made to feel small and insignificant illustrate the power dynamics at play." This idea of yours is very interesting. In a subtle way, we see that the entire novel speaks to us about power dynamics. It is not a fight between groups or countries, but in the sometimes more daily encounters, between couples, co-workers, etc. Even, on another level, it is a struggle between the narrator and Macabea for control of events.
ReplyDeleteI think your summary of the doctor vignette illustrates how we can see this story as being written by a woman, despite its lead narrator being a man and often using similar power dynamics towards his own character. In this way a manifold of angles and beliefs are represented in one lonely girl.
ReplyDeleteHi Chanya, I enjoyed reading your blog post and to answer your question, one of the most impactful moments in the book for me was when Macabéa was being told by the fortune teller that good things were coming for her. This "hope" was evident and it did seem like there would be some light in her life for once. But that was tragically ruined by her death soon after.
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks for your great post! I really enjoyed reading your perspective of the story and the theme of self-worth, as that is something that comes up multiple times throughout this short story. To answer your question, I think the story as a whole was very impactful for me, with many quotes or metaphors that made me stop reading for a couple of seconds to really take in the impact of it. One example of this is in the following quote: "If the reader is financially secure and enjoys the comforts of life, he must step out of himself and see how others live. If he is poor he will not be reading this story because what I have to say is superfluous for anyone who often feels the pangs of hunger". Thanks again for your insightful post!
ReplyDeleteHey! Thanks for your blog post. I really liked what you mentioned about how Macabéa’s self esteem and identity is tied to her relationship with Olímpico. And not only him, but the other people around her too. I feel like we often become like the people we spend the most time with… it is interesting how through the torment that she endured, she never once become the perpetrator of the same abuse. Somehow she stayed as a victim, never searching for power.
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