In the dedication by the author (actually Clarice Lispector), she wrote: “And—and don’t forget that the structure of the atom cannot be seen but is nonetheless known.” This poetic sentence seems to demonstrate a theme of the book where the narrator attempts to capture the unseen: Macabéa. “And my duty, however artlessly, to reveal her life” (pg. 5).
I didn’t like how the narrator wrote about how a male writer could only capture this story in a clear and meaningful way “because a woman would make it all weepy and maudlin” (pg. 6). Ironic as the author is female. I would think Lispector included this in the narrator’s perspective because a man would think this particularly in the time it was written. Perhaps even some men would think this now… which is why I appreciate reading books like this because it reminds us that problems and perspectives back then are still relevant today.
This book made me think of Vancouver and the experiences of the impoverished. With the cost of living increasing, and living paycheque to paycheque as a working student, I’m very aware of my privilege of having a family to fallback on worse case scenario. It makes me sad to think of Macabéa having shitty people in her life that she can’t rely on anymore after her aunt passed, and therefore anyone else.
I liked how we weren’t introduced to Macabéa’s name until about halfway through the novel; it felt as though we were learning who Macabéa was alongside the narrator, which I’m sure is purposeful (pg. 35). Landing on a name for a character — who’s “creator” claims to love this character alone — alongside him is quite fun (pg. 21).
I found it puzzling and uncomfortable how the narrator cared so much about Macabea’s “sex:” “mute but unexpectedly covered with thick and abundant black hairs— her sex was the only vehement sign of her existence” (pg. 61). This passage was sudden and surprised me. It seems to emphasize how the narrator is critical of her, however obsessed with creating her. As if to make his story successful, he talks about her as if she is living and breathing person, not someone who he has created in his head – in this way, I think it makes writing easier for him; however, he suffers from writing block and even gets tired of his characters (pg. 61). I love that detail.
And of course, with the full circle of “yes” makes this story seem very satisfying to end (pg. 3 and pg. 77). The ending feels like closure, even when it’s also open ended as the narrator points out we’re all going to die someday, and our stories continue until then. Since he played God the whole book, it felt like a poke at readers to remind us we don’t have a lot of control over our time of death. YOLO!
My question: “The girl did not know that she existed, just as a dog doesn’t know it’s a dog” (pg. 19). Why wasn’t Macabéa aware she existed/was unhappy?
Sarah
2 replies on “The Hour of the Star – YOLO”
“Since he played God the whole book, it felt like a poke at readers to remind us we don’t have a lot of control over our time of death. YOLO!”
Interesting approach! It’s also interesting to think of the ethical aspects besides the fact of he being the ‘god’ of the story.
We can discuss it on Wednesday.
Julián.
important point about the problems and perspectives of the past being relevant today. there really isn’t anything new today and unfortunately nothing much has changed. as you mentioned it is the fortunate few who have a support system. regarding your question, i think most of the world lives as Macabea does, with a narrow perspective, just waking up every day until they die.