Female Resistance and Rebellion in Clarice Lispector’s The Hour of the Star

Abstract

This paper explores the theme of female resistance and rebellion in Clarice Lispector’s The Hour of the Star, with a focus on the character of Macabéa. Although Macabéa appears passive and compliant, her existence is examined as a subtle form of resistance against societal and patriarchal expectations. Her non-conformity to traditional gender roles, her indifference to beauty and success, and her quiet endurance of suffering are seen as acts of defiance in a world that devalues her. The narrative further analyzes Macabéa’s silence as a tool of resistance and autonomy, highlighting how her refusal to articulate her suffering undermines patriarchal control. Additionally, the paper delves into Macabéa’s internal rebellion, symbolized through her dreams and fantasies, which offer her a psychological escape from societal pressures. Through an exploration of narrative techniques, internal defiance, and psychological autonomy, this paper argues that Macabéa’s existence embodies a unique and profound form of female resistance in the face of patriarchal oppression.