Gender

          Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis’s work “The Rod of Justice” possesses an ironic title. The concept of justice in this story is skewed, largely because of the power tension between genders. Sinha Rita is seen as formidable and desirable; for this reason the defunct seminary student, Damiao, seeks her out when he runs away from his school. Though he perceives her as his salvation, he also struggles with her slavery practice, especially that a little girl might be beaten for laughing on his account. However, Damiao does not plead with Sinha Rita to spare the rod. Originally the reader understands Damiao “was sorry for the little balck girl, and resolved to protect her if she did not finish her task” (de Assist 913). This changes when his personal interests are jeopardized by intervening on the little girl’s behalf. Initially his role as man leads him to expect his superiority and ability to curb Sinha Rita’s anger and protect the child; however, he sees her temper and resolve to be unwavering in her interaction with his godfather. Rather than risk her malice, he allows his ideals to be subordinate to personal interest.

            Sinha Rita possesses a hold over men that is similar to the stereotypical draw of a beautiful woman, that she may manipulate men or hold over them the threat of losing the pleasure of her company and good graces. Coupled with this appeal is a tenacity which does not brook arguments or disobedience. While this very strength is what Damiao seeks when trying to avoid his father’s wrath, he encounters a similar violence in Sinha Rita; in this case, it is acted out on a slave rather than on himself. As a man, Damiao is typically the party in power, but his weakness of character shows in the fear of both his father and not standing up to Sinha Rita. After Damiao’s defection is known to the father, a letter is delivered explaining “the father was furious and wanted to smash things. He had shouted ‘no sir,’ the young dandy would go to the seminary, or he would have him locked up” (de Assis 915). Damiao might be seen to modern readers as an independent thinker, one following his personal goals rather than obligation; the father’s perception is that his son is failing to fulfill his duty and would rather be unproductive. The two poles represent an over-vigorous male character and a decidedly weak one, who hides behind the protection of someone. Sinha Rita is not a character much more flattering, because she is hardened in the control of slaves and orders everyone around in a similar manner.

            Despite gender, characters in the story are consistently out of balance—some being too weak, others to violent or inflexible. Sinha Rita represents the potential to help others but also the tendency to abuse that power; Damiao’s character is indicative of those who buy into that person of power’s role, supporting them for selfish reasons while certain actions may conflict with individual morals. Indulgence of either character type is dangerous, whether male or female.