#14 - Hefesto, o deus operário

Written in the first person, the novel follows Bento de Albuquerque Santiago, a 54-year-old lawyer who recounts his life story, including his youthful love for Capitu, his marriage, and the intense jealousy that consumes him. The narrative is marked by Bento's unreliable perspective, rich in themes of betrayal, deception, and the psychological exploration of Rio de Janeiro's society during the Second Empire. The book is known for its literary realism, use of irony and intertextuality, and its influence on later literary movements.

In 'Aspects of the Novel', E.M. Forster discusses the seven universal aspects of the novel: story, people, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern, and rhythm. The book is a compilation of lectures delivered at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1927. Forster explores these elements using examples from classic texts, emphasizing the importance of character, the distinction between story and plot, and the role of fantasy and prophecy in novels. He also discusses the structural elements of pattern and rhythm, and how they contribute to the overall aesthetic experience of the novel. Forster's approach is characterized by his casual and insightful style, making the book valuable for both readers and writers of fiction.

The Odyssey is an ancient Greek epic poem that follows the journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he returns home after the ten-year Trojan War. The poem, divided into 24 books, recounts Odysseus's ten-year journey from Troy to Ithaca, during which he encounters various perils, including the Cyclops Polyphemus, the witch-goddess Circe, and the Sirens. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus deal with a group of suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage. The poem explores themes of homecoming, identity, and the struggle between fate and free will.

This foundational work of Western literature, written in the 8th century BC, delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impacts of divine intervention in human affairs. The poem begins with Achilles' rage and the destructive consequences it has for the Greek forces besieging Troy, highlighting the conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon and the dynamics between gods and mortals.