Week Four

I may be the only one, but I think that Iracema is difficult to understand.

I read the first nine chapters once through and I couldn't think of any connections to make.

So I read the passage again and still nothing.

I went back to the book again and just flipped through, thinking that maybe it was the flowery language that was preventing me from making an insightful and entertaining comment about this novella. 

And I finally came up with an idea.

From the Chief's encounter with Iracema: "Vile is the warrior who allows himself to be protected by a woman." (Iracema, José de Alencar, 24)

In one of my other classes, we have been talking about "Minnedienst" which is a German term that essentially describes how a man (particularly a knight) does everything for the woman of his dreams. He fights battles for her and he tries to woo her. He would certainly be a disgrace if a woman was to protect him. 

This idea is apparent in other cultures as well. I think back to fairy tales that speak of men rescuing helpless women.

This raises a question in my mind:

Why is it so undignified for a woman to protect a man? Why does the Chief tell Iracema that she should not be protecting Martim?

Women are capable and strong. Iracema herself is an incredible example of that. She can defend herself, as proved by her first encounter with Martim (whom she shot) and by the way that she dealt with the Chief. Women are able to fight their own battles, to forge their own way in this world.

But I'm from a time when this way of thinking is not only acceptable, but it's encouraged.

They lived in a different time when chivalry was important. 

I want to conclude with a question for you. Does the Chief's admonition apply today?