Physiologies in contra dance: a reading of “A desejada das gentes”, by Machado de Assis

Abstract

This paper proposes a reading of Machado de Assis’ “A desejada das gentes” starting from the diverse interpretations articulated within the Conselheiro’s narrative about the actions of his beloved Quintília. In their variety and imprecision, they indicate the wishes and intentions of the one who makes use of them, limited exegete, rather than conveying any kind of veracity about the object that animates them. Taking into account the effects of the dramatic form of the story, composed as a dialogue, we aim at unraveling how the desire for the protagonist is built by the narrative which, by the absence of an external voice capable of organizing the loose ends, demands an active reader, a typical Machadean gesture. Lastly, in dialogue with the Freudian notions of mourning and sublimation, we suggest that the Conselheiro’s narrative acquires certain sublimatory function, desexualizing Quintília’s character and, thus, guaranteeing to its enunciator the sole possession of a singular explanation.