Dom Casmurro by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis is widely praised for its masterful narrative and psychological depth. Readers appreciate its intricate exploration of jealousy and unreliable narration. However, some find the pacing slow and the ambiguous ending unsatisfying. Overall, it remains a staple in Brazilian literature for its innovative style.

Readers who relish psychological depth, unreliable narrators, and intricate explorations of jealousy and memory will appreciate Dom Casmurro by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis. Fans of Nabokov's Lolita or Fowles' The Magus will find this Brazilian classic compelling and thought-provoking.

Dom Casmurro by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis follows Bento Santiago as he reminisces about his life, focusing on his longtime love for Capitú, their marriage, and his suspicions of her affair with his close friend, Escobar, which culminates in jealousy, betrayal, and a shattered relationship. The novel's unreliable narration explores themes of trust and perception, solidifying its status as a classic of Brazilian literature. The source material features depictions of suicidal ideation and domestic violence, and it contains outdated, offensive terms to describe Black and Romani individuals.

Melancholic / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Mysterious / Contemplative

- Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis is often considered one of the greatest writers in Brazilian literature, and Dom Casmurro is one of his most acclaimed novels, showcasing his mastery of literary realism and psychological complexity.
- The narrative style of Dom Casmurro employs a first-person perspective that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, engaging readers in the narrator’s subjective experience and questionable reliability.
- Machado de Assis’s work, including Dom Casmurro, has had a profound influence on both Brazilian literature and broader literary studies, inspiring numerous interpretations and scholarly debates about its themes and symbolic meanings.

**Bento Santiago**  
Bento is the first-person narrator whose journey from adolescence to adulthood is marked by a struggle between familial expectations and personal desires. He transitions from a rebellious youth with aspirations for freedom into a conventional adult who grapples with jealousy and societal pressure.

**Capitú**  
Bento's childhood friend and wife, Capitú is portrayed as a curious and intelligent woman whose actions and intentions are frequently misjudged. Her relationship with Bento is fraught with complexity, marked by her determination and adaptability to challenging circumstances.

**Escobar**  
Bento’s closest friend, Escobar is an important figure in Bento's life from their time at the seminary through adulthood. His amiable nature and deep ties to Bento’s family create a significant bond, although perceptions of him vary among characters.

**Sancha**  
Capitú’s childhood friend and later Escobar’s wife, Sancha forms a close connection with Bento and Capitú. She participates actively in their shared social life, and her marriage to Escobar is characterized by harmony before his untimely death.

**Ezekiel**  
Ezekiel is the son of Bento and Capitú, whose childhood demeanor reflects his mother’s traits. His growing resemblance to Escobar generates tension and uncertainty in his relationship with Bento as he matures.

Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Dom Casmurro reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Dom Casmurro | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Dom Casmurro and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Dom Casmurro

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Dom Casmurro?

Reading Age

Book Details