CONCEITO DE NORMALIDADE EM “O ALIENISTA” DE MACHADO DE ASSIS
CONCEITO DE NORMALIDADE EM “O ALIENISTA” DE MACHADO DE ASSIS
-
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.80892626270314
-
Palavras-chave: loucura; normalidade; psicopatologia; Machado de Assis; O alienista.
-
Keywords: madness; normality; psychopathology; Machado de Assis; psychiatry.
-
Abstract: The concept of madness has been a subject of study since antiquity, and to this day, there is no consensus on this topic. As a result, it is relevant to analyze the various factors and the ways in which societies perceive this phenomenon in the population. The study of the work “The Psychiatrist” by Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis has become important to observe how this theme was viewed in 19th-century Brazil and how, even today, few advances have been made in the area. This work analyzes how “The Psychiatrist” remains aligned with contemporary times, highlighting its relevance in current debates on the subject. The present research is a narrative review, which presents limitations due to the absence of previously defined protocols. Books focused on the theme of psychopathology were used. The selection of articles was carried out through scientific databases, using publications from 1984 to 2023. It is observed that in global literary productions, the concept of madness and normality is often portrayed superficially, creating an illusion of truth in the reader, who is led to believe that certain extreme behaviors are not tolerated in collective life. Upon studying Machado’s work, it was found that both in the novel and in present times, any human being who does not conform to the standards of normality imposed by society is automatically categorized as insane. There are significant challenges in identifying and categorizing the concept of normality in today’s society. The interpretation of madness constantly undergoes changes, and reflecting on the boundaries between reason and madness is not just a theoretical issue, but a practical necessity for those who aim to care for others. Therefore, it is concluded that more than fitting behaviors into rigid diagnoses, it is essential to understand each patient’s unique history, context, and subjectivity, avoiding simplistic reductions.
- Ariane Ferreira Barbosa
- Giovanna Beatriz Giannella
- Vitoria Sousa Borges