Dom Casmurro 25.132 · 25.132

The boy switches tack from courtesy to earnestness, anxious to be believed. 'Não é por vadiação' — he is not dodging the seminary out of mere idleness, and the denial reveals the accusation he fears. He knows how his resistance could be read, as a lazy boy's aversion to study and discipline, and he moves to clear his name before it is charged.

There is something touching in the defense; he is arguing for the seriousness of his own desire without being able to name its real object, Capitú. Machado keeps the true motive just under the surface, dressed as diligence. Bentinho will offer any labor, any other course of study, so long as it is not the priesthood — and his very eagerness betrays how much is at stake for him beneath the modest words.

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