Envy, revenge, and antisocial tendencies: analysis of the character Lucy in It’s all river by Carla Madeira

Abstract

The aim of this research is to discuss the affect of envy, the act of revenge, and the antisocial tendency of Lucy, the main character in Carla Madeira’s renowned novel Tudo é Rio. These reflections and analyses are conducted in light of both contemporary and classical psychoanalytic theories. The study focuses on the disorganizing traumatic experiences of early childhood that culminate in cruel acts from adolescence through adulthood. Through the dialogue between literature and psychoanalysis, it examines how early experiences of loss, rejection, and helplessness shape Lucy’s subjectivity and determine her modes of relating to others. To develop these reflections, the character’s trajectory is articulated with Donald Winnicott’s concept of the antisocial tendency, Melanie Klein’s notions of envy and gratitude, and Maria Rita Kehl’s perspective on revenge. Finally, by way of conclusion, the study presents considerations from psychoanalytic clinical practice based on the ethics of care for such patients.