The article explores the character Macabéa from Clarice Lispector's final novel published during her lifetime, 'The Hour of the Star.' Macabéa embodies existential paralysis, unable to express consent or dissent, which reflects a profound violence against individuals stripped of agency. Her character illustrates a commentary on the social and symbolic systems preventing personal autonomy and the struggles faced by marginalized individuals.

Living in Rio de Janeiro, Macabéa is portrayed as an impoverished young woman from Brazil's northeast, grappling with a pervasive fear of inadequacy and instability. Her daily existence is marked by anxiety over job security and societal acceptance. The article draws parallels between Macabéa's experiences and the realities of those victimized by systemic violence, illustrating how such oppression silences their voices and undermines their autonomy.

The title of Lispector's novel hints at a fleeting moment of hope when Macabéa visits a fortune teller who evokes a sense of possibility in her bleak life. This momentary uplift emphasizes the paradox of her existence—caught between despair and a longing for a brighter future. Through Macabéa's story, the article encourages reflection on the struggles of individuals who are rendered voiceless and the need for societal acknowledgment and change.