23 Helena - Machado de Assis

Understanding Divine Belief and Human Consciousness

The Nature of God and Belief

• Melchior questions Estácio about his belief in God, emphasizing that mere acknowledgment of God's existence is insufficient. He argues that true belief involves a deeper understanding beyond philosophical musings.

• Melchior elaborates on the concept of God as not just a creator but also as an entity that reads our innermost thoughts and feelings, influencing our lives even after death through reward or punishment.

The Struggle with Inner Conflict

• Estácio experiences confusion and discomfort regarding his emotions, feeling misunderstood. This internal struggle highlights the complexity of human consciousness and moral dilemmas.

• Melchior confronts Estácio about his feelings for his sister, revealing the tension between familial love and societal norms. This moment signifies a pivotal realization for Estácio regarding his own conscience.

The Weight of Conscience

• The discussion shifts to the nature of conscience; Melchior explains it as something that can be obscured by ignorance or fear, suggesting that awareness brings clarity to one's moral standing.

• Estácio's inability to articulate his turmoil reflects the profound impact of self-awareness on one's psyche. His silence indicates a deep-seated conflict within him regarding forbidden feelings.

Revelation and Acceptance

• As Estácio grapples with revelations about himself, he struggles to accept what Melchior has revealed. His reaction underscores the difficulty individuals face when confronting uncomfortable truths about their desires.

• Melchior reassures Estácio that acknowledging these feelings does not equate to guilt but rather highlights an unconscious deviation from social norms.

The Complexity of Love

• Melchior discusses how temptation can subtly influence one’s heart without conscious awareness, likening it to insidious forces like slander or suspicion.

• He emphasizes the importance of understanding where such feelings originate—rooted in childhood connections—which complicates adult relationships significantly.

Consequences of Forbidden Feelings

• Helena's transformation into a woman evokes complex emotions in Estácio, who struggles with recognizing her as more than just a sister due to their shared past.

• The narrative explores how pure affection can become tainted by jealousy and possessiveness, leading to emotional turmoil for both characters involved.

Climax: Denial vs. Reality

• Faced with overwhelming shame and remorse, Estácio's denial manifests strongly as he insists that what he feels is impossible—a reflection of societal taboos surrounding incestuous love.

• Despite his protests, Melchior urges him to confront this painful truth about their relationship dynamics while highlighting the inherent complexities tied to human emotions.

Helena's Dilemma and Family Dynamics

The Nature of Helena's Struggles

• Helena is portrayed as a victim of her circumstances, facing a perversion that could transform her into a "monster" at such a young age. This reflects the harsh realities of human nature and societal expectations.

• Estácio contemplates the implications of the situation revealed by the priest, recognizing that despite its dangers, maintaining family dignity is paramount.

Estácio's Internal Conflict

• Estácio grapples with his thoughts in silence, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his emotions and the gravity of his situation.

• He experiences feelings of terror and respect towards the priest, who serves as an investigator into Estácio’s innermost feelings.

Revelation and Acceptance

• As Estácio processes what he has learned from the priest, he begins to see previously obscured truths more clearly, akin to light finally reaching one's eyes after centuries.

• The emotional turmoil culminates in a moment where he gazes at his father's portrait with bitterness, reflecting on familial legacies and their impact on personal identity.

Promises and Moral Obligations

• Melchior emphasizes the urgency of marriage while insisting on discretion regarding Celina until further notice. This highlights societal pressures surrounding relationships.

• Estácio expresses concern about moral integrity amidst familial obligations; he feels trapped between duty to family and personal desires.

Seeking Guidance

• A crucifix becomes a symbol for Melchior as he seeks divine guidance for chastity amid tumultuous emotions. His plea underscores themes of faith versus human frailty.

• After making solemn promises to each other, there is an air of resignation but also hope as they navigate their complex emotional landscape.

Reflection on Relationships