28 Helena - Machado de Assis

Chapter 28: The Struggles of Love

The Conflict of Emotions

• The chapter opens with a reflection on the overwhelming nature of love, particularly through the character Helena, who is caught in a tumultuous emotional state.

• Rodovico realizes that true feelings often clash with societal expectations, leading to an internal struggle as he acknowledges his love for Helena despite social constraints.

• Acknowledging the priest's wisdom, Rodovico grapples with despair and hope, recognizing that his feelings for Helena are genuine and untainted by societal norms.

Decisions and Sacrifices

• Estácio expresses his desire to support Helena but feels burdened by the weight of their circumstances; he writes to Mendonça seeking guidance while wrestling with his own emotions.

• Despite feeling regretful about their situation, Estácio resolves to endure suffering silently rather than disrupt Helena’s life further.

Emotional Turmoil

• Helena experiences intense emotional distress and seeks comfort from Úrsula, indicating her need for support amidst her turmoil.

• She struggles with guilt over her perceived role in usurping another's place in society while yearning for acceptance and understanding from those around her.

Revelations and Hope

• The priest Melchior delivers news about Helena's father, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds and heroic acts that shape their destinies.

• As she reads a letter from her father, Helena feels a deep emotional impact that highlights her longing for connection and understanding.

Reflection on Identity

• In discussing her childhood experiences with Melchior, Helena reflects on how these shaped her identity differently compared to others; this realization fuels her determination to confront obstacles.

• Melchior recognizes the purity of Helena's love as transcending earthly absolutions, suggesting it holds divine significance amid societal judgments.

Struggles with Acceptance

• Despite receiving encouragement from Melchior regarding family ties and future prospects, Helena finds herself torn between duty and personal desires.

• Her mental state deteriorates as she faces pressure from both family expectations and personal conflicts; she remains distant even when offered care by those around her.

Isolation Amidst Concern

• Efforts by Úrsula to encourage Helena to eat go unheeded as she isolates herself emotionally; this highlights the depth of her despair during this period.

The Emotional Turmoil of Estácio and Helena

A Moment of Silence

• Estácio and Helena share a quiet moment, with Helena holding a Taquara. Their silence is heavy, hinting at underlying tensions.

• Estácio reflects on the recent events that may have influenced Helena's state of mind, questioning if they led to her suicidal thoughts.

Conversations and Revelations

• As they converse, Estácio speaks about family matters and future happiness, trying to uplift Helena amidst the brewing storm.

• He expresses his own misfortunes, suggesting that their desires for happiness often lead to unforeseen troubles.

Connection Through Eyes

• A significant moment occurs when their eyes meet; it symbolizes an unspoken connection between them that transcends words.

• They experience a profound understanding through this gaze, indicating deep emotional ties that cannot be articulated verbally.

The Storm Approaches

• As the wind picks up and rain threatens, Estácio urges Helena to leave the area. His concern for her well-being grows stronger.

• Despite his insistence, Helena seems entranced by her thoughts of suicide as she gazes into the water.

Struggle Against Despair

• Estácio tries to reassure Helena about her health but acknowledges the weight of despair she carries.

• Helena reveals her feelings of being trapped by familial expectations and past decisions made under duress.

An Urgent Plea for Understanding

• In a heartfelt exchange, Estácio implores Helena not to judge his family harshly while she struggles with doubts about her own situation.

• As rain begins to fall heavily, he attempts to guide her home despite her reluctance.

Physical Collapse and Rescue

• In a moment of vulnerability, Helena nearly collapses from exhaustion; Estácio catches her just in time.

• He carries her towards safety as the storm intensifies around them.

The Aftermath: Illness Takes Hold

• Once inside, they face the reality of illness as Helena succumbs to fever after their harrowing experience in the rain.

The Struggles of Helena's Illness

The Emotional Toll on Family

• Mendonça receives the tragic news about Helena's condition, feeling a deep sorrow that lasts for seven days. The family's emotional state fluctuates between hope and despair.

• The chaplain remains by Helena’s side, accepting the divine will without complaint, unsure if life is preferable to death in her dire situation.

• Estácio struggles with his emotions as he visits Helena; he feels helpless yet is determined to sacrifice anything for her recovery, reflecting his deep love and desperation.

Moments of Crisis

• On the seventh day, a critical moment occurs when Helena experiences a fainting spell. Her family gathers around her, sensing the gravity of her condition.

• Despite attempts to comfort her, Helena insists she is not dying but merely very ill. Estácio tries to uplift her spirits but ultimately feels powerless.

Desperation and Hope

• Estácio resolves to find Helena's father, believing his presence might save her. His uncle supports this idea despite knowing it may be too late.

• As silence envelops the room where Helena lies, she opens her eyes briefly before succumbing again to unconsciousness. This moment highlights the fragility of life.

A Heartbreaking Farewell

• In a desperate plea for Elena’s life, Estácio prays fervently alone in nature, showcasing his inner turmoil and lack of religious fervor until faced with death.

• When Mendonça finds him in despair over Elena’s fate, they share their grief together—both are devastated by their loss.

Final Moments and Mourning

• As Elena takes her last breath, Estácio receives one final loving glance from her. He hides his tears while grappling with impending loss.

• Ursula tends to Elena’s body herself out of profound sorrow; she refuses help from others during this intimate farewell ritual.

Aftermath of Loss

• Following Elena's passing, Estácio is left in shock as friends depart after paying their respects; he mournfully reflects on losing his promised future with her.

• During the funeral preparations, there is a poignant moment where Estácio kisses Elena’s forehead one last time—a symbol of enduring love amidst tragedy.