Introduction
The story of Lispector’s main character, Macabea, is told through an additional perspective of the sophisticated S.M. Rodrigo. The contrasting viewpoints on life and principal values consequently provide alternative realities for the reader. Most importantly, the narrator’s judgment and telling of Macabea’s story contribute to the development of a clear narrative pattern. The pattern is focused on presenting a philosophical, intricate, yet perplexing state of mind of the narrator, Rodrigo, including the series of events that influence its critical considerations (Abbott). The narrative explores not only the events and circumstances of Macabea’s situation but also Rodrigo’s feelings and attitude towards the character. In that way, analysis of specific quotes, style, tone, and characters of the novel will highlight the way Lispector employed the mentioned pattern in her work and possible reasons for that.
Use of Language in Expressing the Pattern
The narrative pattern is initiated from the narrator’s first words as he contemplates the universe’s origin. While dedicating a considerate portion of the text to his own introduction and recollections, Rodrigo nearly positions himself as the central figure of the story. Ultimately, this idea develops into a pattern, with frequent commentary on Macabea’s choices being included. For example, once the narrator mentions “the girl…merely exists”, a principle contrary to his own way of living (Lispector 23). Further in the text, the narrator expresses a reoccurring thought regarding Macabea: “She was incompetent. Incompetent for life” (Lispector 29). The language used demonstrates the repetition of Rodrigo’s attempts to distance himself from the girl while retaining the intrigue of her story. The story is comprised of persistent interruptions of the main series of events to describe the other narrator-focused conclusions.
Emotional Tones of the Narrative
As the storyteller begins to slightly modify his own perception of the girl’s issues throughout the text, the emotional aspect of the pattern varies as well. In one way, the main events of Macabea’s unfortunate life cause various reactions of the narrator, which are evidently linked to the overall tone of the story. Initially, the reader receives an objective perspective on the main character, as the storyteller emphasizes the importance of being “cold and impartial” (Lispector 19). However, the text becomes more emotionally heavy as Rodrigo describes the various mishaps of the character’s life. The tone gradually gains a more dramatic effect, hints of concern and worry for Macabea become more prominent. The ultimate switch into possible affectionate feelings for the character is a critical point of the narrative pattern. The presented set of emotions provides a key for the exploration of the intricate mind of the storyteller.
The Role of the Characters in the Pattern Development
As already discussed, the turn of events in the described pattern is highly dependent on Macabea’s circumstances, which are influenced by the other characters. In that way, most secondary characters play an indirect role in the development of the narrator’s contemplations. Olimpico de Jesus, one of the more ambitious members of their social class, still proves to be dishonest and “wicked to the core” (Lispector 47). This character’s ultimate effect on Rodrigo is a combination of unfavorable emotions concerning his arrogance and, once again, a repeated contrast to Macabea’s lack of ambition or inevitable sense of hopelessness. It, therefore, contributes significantly to the narrator’s perception of the main character. A similar effect is achieved through the introduction of Macabea’s aunt, a woman who rarely supported her niece. In the end, the narrator follows a pattern of recurring corrupted characters, whose actions add to the growing hopelessness of the story.
The Role of the Narrator in the Pattern Development
Evidently, Rodrigo plays one of the most fundamental roles in the series of events that concern his own ways of storytelling. Besides the evident change of emotional tone that accompanies the narration, it is critical to evaluate its purpose and credibility. The sophisticated man expressed the need to tell Macabea’s story with the aim of raising awareness about the many examples of similar poor lifestyles. Although his repeating contemplations raise the question of the story’s credibility, the main focus is then recentered on the moral duties of the narrator. Ultimately, this pattern of Rodrigo’s points on the miserable living conditions of the lower social classes serves the purpose of the moral and principal foundation for the main storyline.
The Overall Effect of the Pattern on the Reader
Overall, the thoughtful exploration of Rodrigo’s multiple perspectives and their development aid in emphasizing the central issue of the text. In that way, Macabea’s struggles become a symbol of severe global socio-economic issues, while the author utilizes the narrator’s position to demonstrate the true but harsh life realities in varying social classes (Fitz). As a result, the reader is engaged with the pattern on different levels. Like many complex stories, The Hour of the Star presents multiple structures that contribute to the storyline. The described pattern acts as a thought-provoking piece to follow along with the main events.
Conclusion
Hence, the deliberate employment of the narrator-based pattern aided the author in showing multiple perspectives on serious issues. The specific type of narrative effect is achieved by repeating references to the main character’s unfortunate life events and commentary on holistic philosophical principles. In the end, Macabea’s story and Rodrigo’s description of it serve as solid foundations for valuable conversations on the topics of poverty, sadness, and hopelessness.
Works Cited
Abbott, Horace Porter. The Cambridge Introductions to Literature. Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Fitz, Earl. “Clarice Lispector and the writing of poststructuralism”. Sexuality and Being in the Poststructuralist Universe of Clarice Lispector: University of Texas Press, 2021, pp. 15-34.
Lispector, Clarice. The Hour of the Star. New Directions Publishing, 1992.