Dom Casmurro
Machado de Assis · 1899
About this book
An unreliable narrator recounts his marriage and obsessive jealousy in imperial Rio de Janeiro. The novel is a masterclass in psychological ambiguity and reveals the patriarchal norms and social conventions of nineteenth-century Brazil.
Why read this for language learning
Machado de Assis's 'Dom Casmurro' is an advanced read, known for its psychological depth and unreliable narration, presented in sophisticated 19th-century Brazilian Portuguese. The language is precise, often ironic, and features complex sentence structures that challenge learners to follow intricate arguments and subtle character motivations. It offers rich vocabulary related to human emotions, memory, and social customs of the era. This book is invaluable for developing a keen eye for literary nuance and understanding how Portuguese can convey profound psychological states and cultural insights into Brazilian society.
Vocabulary you will encounter
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