“The Hour of the Star” by Clarice Lispector is a story about a northeastern girl from a poor state in Brazil. The northeastern girl Macabéa resides in Rio de Janeiro. As the story emerges Macabéa is described as this simple-minded girl. She works as a typist making very little money, living with four other girls, and barely eating. Eventually, she meets her boyfriend Olímpico de Jesus Moreira Chaves.

In the story, it is clear that Olímpico de Jesus Moreira Chaves is occupied with his own pursuits. He sees Macabéa as little-minded. Frustrated with the fact that she is fine with her simple life. He sees Macabéa as someone with no aspirations in life. I feel this is biased by his own goal to climb the social ladder. In my opinion, Olímpico does not see Macabéa for who she really is. Yes, she may be naive but she too has hopes and dreams. I found this relationship to be frustrating as Olímpico does not give Macabéa care and respect. However, I think Olímpico’s perception points to the larger theme. Macabéa does not feel like she fits into this world. It seems like there is no place for her. When Macabéa died at the end during the car crash I was shocked. Traditionally after the fortune teller scene, you would expect her life to turn around. But no this was not the case. Rather her life is framed as unqualified, lacking meaning and significance. I think this scene points to the notion that Macabéa is seen as inferior because of her status in society. Does her status determine whether or not her life was memorable?

This makes me think about our position in life. If I died today would I be remembered? Would my life mean anything? Overall I feel like the book was quite estranged from the traditional novel. As mentioned in the lecture the book tries the contrary by writing a story that does not follow the traditional beginning, middle, and grand finale. As we continue to read novels each week I feel I am learning different ways to read. I am more open to reading in different styles and structures. This is a skill I haven’t gotten to expand in my other classes as I am usually reading research articles.

My question for this week is what did you think of Macabéa’s character? What was your reaction at the end when Macabéa died?

• existence
• status