Abstract
This paper presents an interpretation of Machado de Assis’s short story “Happiness by marriage.” Although the story suggests that the conflicts experienced by F. are circumscribed to his ability to overcome his inner obstacles, i.e., marrying and being happy, we suggest that the positive solution to his destiny depends on his exceptionally positive surroundings. A comparison to Machado de Assis’s first novel, Resurrection, offers a counterpoint to this argument. In the novel Félix faces obstacles that are similar to those faced by F., but does not overcome them, does not get married, and becomes unhappy. Although the narrator states that such a fate is due the character’s nature, he indicates that Félix’s social ambience could be associated to his problems.
Keywords:
Machado de Assis; Short story; Novel