From the maternal womb to the political struggles: brothers and rivals in the novel Esau and Jacob, by Machado de Assis

Abstract

The novel Esaú e Jacó tells of the life of twins Peter and Paul, that according to the omen of a diviner, have been fighting ever since their time in their mother’s womb, but whose destiny holds great future accomplishments. The brothers’ existence develops throughout successive conflicts that pop up at minimum pretext, yet that are always promptly reconciled. Their rivalry in adulthood extends to the sphere of affections and of politics, as they take opposite sides regarding the fall of monarchy and the rise of republic. Included in the realistic mood that brands the second phase of the author’s work, but already with some influence of simbolism, the novel exhibits a strong psychologist approach to character description and behaviour, and a very fine irony when it comes to environment and social habits.