Deconstructing the "good-old boy" ethic: male friendship in Luis Fernando Verissimo's O Clube dos Anjos.

Miller, Zachary F.

AMERICAN author E.B. White once remarked that "it is easier for a man to be loyal to his club than to his planet; the bylaws are shorter, and he is personally acquainted with the other members" (277). Male friendship, while complex in nature, has undoubtedly led to the formation of strong social groups, such as fraternities, boy's clubs, and even gangs. It is in these communal organizations that men are able to bond and develop friendships based on shared interests and activities. In many instances, networking and favoritism are established within the groups that ultimately benefit the members politically, economically or socially, a concept commonly referred to as the "good-old boy" ethic. In Luis Fernando Verissimo's O Clube dos Anjos, male friendship, or amizade in Portuguese, is an essential theme. The author uses the novel not only to highlight male friendship and the "good-old boy" ethic, but also to critique the masculine construct as a negative force that can destroy a group rather than strengthen it. Verissimo, a Brazilian writer known best for his chronicles on everyday life, allows O Clube dos Anjos to present a more sinister side of male amizade, a concept that can sometimes hinder ambition, stifle progress, and lower expectations of those involved.

The concept of the "good-old boy" ethic can be found in many cultures worldwide. "Old boy" was a term first associated with males that graduated from prestigious preparatory schools in England. Tim Heald comments: "... going to a public school not only gave you an education but also admitted you to a life membership of an exclusive and potentially useful club" (14). A more modern interpretation, however, bands groups of typically rich, white men who may share in a common economic interest or political outcome. Most are viewed as elitist and difficult to join, unless you already know a member or share familial ties. Inclusion in the group is considered positive since the men work together to achieve similar outcomes, sometimes to the detriment or exclusion of those outside of the network. In Brazil, similar groups are frequently established and even considered essential to function within the larger society. Tracy Novinger explains that "getting anything done in Brazil depends greatly on intermediaries and therefore on one's network of social relationships. To do business or meet people in Brazil, it is important to obtain introductions through a mutual acquaintance" (89). More importantly, gender has an influential role in determining which groups are more powerful. Novinger concludes "traditionally, Brazilian culture has been male dominated" (96). Because of existing gender inequalities, being a man who is also a member of a Brazilian "good-old boy" organization can be extremely beneficial politically, socially, and even economically.

The overall success of any social organization, male or female, depends upon the strengths exhibited by its members in working together to guarantee a stable entity. Amizade, in this case male amizade, plays a vital role in providing stability, with either positive or negative effects on the development of the group. In O Clube dos Anjos, Verissimo presents an elite, "good-old boy" association called the Clube do Picadinho that centers on fine dining and high culture. The novel is written from the perspective of Daniel, both story narrator and club member. He explains: "eramos todos mais ou menos da mesma idade. Todos mais ou menos ricos, se bem que nossas fortunas tinham fluido e refluido em vinte anos" (Verissimo 13). Founding members include Daniel, Abel, Joao, Saulo, Marcos, Paulo, Pedro, Tiago and Samuel. Ramos, former club organizer and leader, passed away from AIDS several months prior. Of the existing members, all grew up together in the same neighborhood and social class except for Samuel, who was introduced into the club by Ramos, and newcomer Andre, who joined to replace Ramos after his death.

Although the club initially meets at a local bar called Alberi's and feasts on traditional Brazilian food, Ramos persuades the men to evolve their pallets and sample more exotic cuisine. Daniel remarks that "Ramos nos ensinou que estavamos exercendo uma arte unica, que a gastronomia era um prazer cultural como nenhum outro ..." (Verissimo 18). At this point, a transformation occurs that symbolically elevates the club to an elite status. The Clube do Picadinho begins meeting each month at expensive restaurants or in one of the member's homes to gorge themselves on exquisite meals and wax poetic on a variety of subjects ranging from truffles to the origin of women. During these meetings, the dining room becomes the focal point of the group, an area where amizade can develop and flourish among the members. This idea of a common, shared space is very important to the "good-old boy" network because, as Daphne Spain states, "men's friendships seem most responsive to socially generated supports such as built structures. The construction of a ceremonial men's hut occurs for a variety of cultural, mystical, or religious reasons, all of which are socially created" (71). For the Clube do Picadinho, the dining area represents the "ceremonial hut," a safe setting for male bonding to occur without interference or distraction from the external environment.

Spain goes on to say that, "the sense of belonging to a particular communal group is enhanced by sharing a space separate from those who do not belong. Outsiders are most typically women" (71). While Ramos was in charge, women were strictly excluded from the club's activities. Daniel shares Ramos' rigid ideal for the all-male group: "e foi dele a advertencia que quando deixassemos as mulheres participar do clube, tudo desandaria. Aqueles dez e nunca mais do que aqueles dez, ou o encanto se perderia e estariamos condenados" (Verissimo 18). Such a decree creates a pact among the men that fosters a sense of detachment and disregard for women. According to Ramos, the group, and more importantly the amizade, can only survive without the presence of females. Much like many other "good-old boy" clubs, the Clube do Picadinho establishes itself as exclusionary, viewing women as a general nuisance and of overall detriment to the group. It is interesting to note, however, that the lack of female presence in the club negatively affects the male members' abilities to establish meaningful marital relationships. Misogynist attitudes permeate the Clube do Picadinho, perpetrated by Ramos' numerous scornful anecdotes of women that fail the men in their lives. Daniel extrapolates on the apparent failings of members with the opposite sex:

Em vinte e um anos, os dez membros do grupo tinham tido exatas vinte mulheres, contando as minhas tres, e Gisela, a adolescente que o Abel adotara depois do divorcio da Norinha, e as duas do Pedro depois da Mara, incluindo uma que tivera uma crise de choro ao encontrar o Samuel, que obviamente ja conhecia. Que eu soubesse, naquele momento seis estavam com mulheres. (Verissimo 28)

Daniel's current girlfriend, Livia, does not approve of the club, a subject that often strains the relationship between the two.

After the death of Ramos, wives of the other members are introduced into the group's dinners. Because the men and women have nothing in common, the club, and more importantly the amizade the men share begins to diminish. The tightly woven construct of the Clube do Picadinho becomes infiltrated by outsiders (the women) who are unfamiliar with the customs and traditions of the communal group. For a while, the club appears on the verge of disintegration until the mysterious Lucidio joins the group and persuades the members to return to their practice of excluding women. Such a decision is welcomed by all the members and swiftly enacted. Daniel remarks that, "as mulheres eram as responsaveis pelo nosso declinio. As mulheres tinham nos arrancados do paraiso, sem elas nossos rituais readquiriam sua pureza adolescente, eramos de novo os porcos contentes do bar do Alberi" (Verissimo 53). Daniel's description of the group as "contented pigs" illustrates the negative effects of the amizade that pervade the club in two ways. First, the reference is clearly associated with the colloquial term "male pig," a chauvinistic man who believes his gender to be far superior to that of a woman's. The "male pig" is often seen as one of the unfavorable byproducts of the "good-old boy" ethic. Secondly, the phrase "contented pigs" succinctly exemplifies their gluttonous behavior. As members of the Clube do Picadinho, the men over-indulge their appetites and gorge themselves, much like pigs at a trough.

Another negative effect of amizade within the Clube do Picadinho is the collective semblance of failure that pervades the group. Kathryn Ann Farr comments on "good-old boy" associations in general that, "all members have family backgrounds and/or past achievements (e.g. games or sports skills, academic credentials, career-potential demonstrations) through which to demonstrate their worth" (269). Although touted as "elite," the members of the Clube do Picadinho are, in reality, anything but. All possess personal shortcomings that are accepted within the group. In fact, most engage in behaviors indicative of social and moral collapse. Abel, once a dedicated member of the church, loses all religious faith when Ramos convinces him of the superiority of rare meat over cooked. The taste of raw meat, a symbol of the body of Jesus Christ, presents a moral dilemma for Abel. Daniel concludes, "havia uma incompatibilidade intrinseca entre a carne malpassada e a metafisica, e Abel optara pela carne sangrenta" (Verissimo 52). Joao, whose shady business practices often lose money for his clients, is consistently forced into hiding to avoid vengeful creditors. Samuel usually intervenes on his behalf and suggests to the creditors "a quebrar varios ossos do Joao, menos os que lhe permitiriam recuperar seu dinheiro, em vez de mata-lo" (Verissimo 33). Marcos is a failed painter whose works are only secretly purchased by the other members of the club. Paulo used to work as a political activist and eventually betrayed some of his companions by turning them over to the government. Pedro is an adulterer whose actions ultimately cause him to lose his wife Mara, a person the rest of the club describes as the "perfect woman."

Daniel, Marcos, and Saulo, another club member, were involved in a failed business venture that lasted eight months. After spending most of their revenue on whisky, the trio listlessly bided their time at the office until they grew bored of the business. Daniel explains the waning moments of the company: "fechamos a agencia, nos sentindo incompreendidos e injusticados, no dia em que a minigeladeira na sala do Saulo pifou. Concluimos que sem gelo nao dava para continuar" (Verissimo 61). Normally, members of "good-old boy" networks behave in ways that encourage economic and/or social prosperity, which enhances the individual as well as the group. Without this success, the social construct may become cancerous or unstable, and can ultimately lead to its self-destruction. With respect to the Clube do Picadinho, the actions of the members succeed in only promoting indifference, stifling progress, and lowering expectations of the individuals. Instead of fostering accomplishment and successful behavior, the amizade impedes the social and economic progress of both the individual members and of the group.

Typically, members of a "good-old boy" club are successful in their own right and can prosper outside of the amizade. Farr notes that, "the GOBS (good old boy sociability) group members are men who have had their gender and class successes acknowledged since boyhood; they have always been insiders, and they know it. If doubt occurs, the GOBS group provides them with renewed confidence" (276). While inclusion into a club or group magnifies personal accomplishments, membership is not necessary to be a success. The added benefit of membership helps to reinforce self-assurance and to highlight elitist behavior. Conversely, since the members of the Clube do Picadinho are failures, they must depend on the "good-old boy" construct to feel superior and maintain a sense of social exclusivity. Based upon Farr's observation, Daniel and his friends form a faux-good-old boy organization whose sole purpose is self-gratification. Without the club, the members are ordinary at best with nothing significant to add to society as a whole.

An additional aspect of male amizade within the "good-old boy" ethic is the desire to "protect their own." Within tight-knit male social organizations, it is important that bonds remain strong to promote the overall stability of the institution. When one man falters within the group, outsiders can perceive weakness. The act of assisting or protecting individual members of a "good-old boy" club is usually carried out for the greater good of the entity. In fact, Daniel often mentions that the Clube do Picadinho "cuidava" or "protegia os seus." Although the club members demonstrate on several occasions their ability to "protect their own," their actions inculcate bad behavior that eventually proves detrimental to the group. In one instance, the members help Samuel to avoid prison time after he beats up a girlfriend. Because such an act could adversely affect the club, Daniel relates that, "vetamos a sugestao de um castigo exemplar para Samuel. O Clube do Picadinho cuidava dos seus" (Verissimo 24). In another example, Samuel has an affair with Pedro's wife Mara during a group excursion to Europe. Rather than shun Samuel, the club deems that the preservation of amizade is more important than marital ties. Pedro and Mara divorce and the Clube do Picadinho continues on. While such behavior might appear perverse and abnormal, it is sometimes a common male-bonding attribute of "goodold boy" associations. Clyde W. Franklin II notes that social aberrations can have a positive effect among masculine groups. He explains that:

Another way in which men's deviance increases group solidarity is through uniting group members in support of a deviant member via discounting the rule violated or saying that the violation was in the best interest of the group. This functional consequence of deviance seems to be a preferred method of handling deviant behavior of powerful men. (136)

In similar fashion, the members of the Clube do Picadinho often overlook bad behavior in order to promote self-preservation and strengthen the amizade between the men. However, the continuous acceptance of such behavior becomes habitual and ultimately contributes to the unraveling of the organization.

After Lucidio joins the group, members of the Clube do Picadinho begin dying after each monthly dinner party. It becomes apparent from early on that Lucidio, an outsider who becomes the group's chef, is poisoning the meals. (1) Although the members recognize Lucidio as the killer, no one tries to stop him or turn him over to the authorities. There are two reasons for this. First, Lucidio is an incredible chef and all are addicted to his cooking. Because of their voracious appetite for food, members would rather consume the fatal dishes than refuse them. After all, only one of the plates is actually poisoned! Secondly, amizade and the desire to "protect their own," prevent them from intervening. Even after several members die, the remainder cannot give up the customary dinners because it would not "seem fair" to those that have since passed away. Daniel explains that halting their monthly ritual "nao era justo com os mortos" (Verissimo 110). While family members plead with them to disband the group, the Clube do Picadinho remains steadfast in its pact with the dead. Even Daniel's girlfriend Livia begs him to leave the club, which she describes as "um bando de fracassados e inuteis que nunca fizeram nada na vida a nao ser se empanturrar e desgracar a vida dos outros." To this, Daniel simply replies that she "nao podia entender; nao participara dos rituais" (Verissimo 97). Since outsiders are not allowed to participate in the Clube do Picadinho, their influence on the activities and decisions of the group are nonexistent. Family members and loved ones assert no authority due to the exclusionary constraints of the "good old boy" ethos. In Daniel's mind, the absence of fraternal bonding and deficiency in shared experiences leave all pleas to disband the club meaningless. Ironically, the amizade and the rituals that keep the group together are the same forces that ultimately destroy it.

Strong male friendship, while often considered a positive attribute of "good-old boy" organizations, becomes a liability in Luis Fernando Verissimo's O Clube dos Anjos that ultimately leads to the destruction of the Clube do Picadinho and the deaths of the individual members. Throughout the novel, the amizade displayed by the club members promotes both personal failings and collective disintegration. The club itself is merely a hollow shell doomed to self-destruct. Clouded by the bonds of male friendship, no one inside the Clube do Picadinho fully realizes their shortcomings. Daniel does comment on the declining disposition of the organization while at a funeral for one of the members: "anos antes, quando as reunioes do Clube do Picadinho eram noticia nas colunas sociais, muitos ali sonhariam em pertencer ao nosso grupo. Agora, eramos uma curiosidade, e um estorvo. . .em vinte e um anos, tinhamos nos transformados em pessoas esquisitas" (Verissimo 59). While Daniel's remark truthfully describes the group's downward trend, he does nothing to save the club's reputation and ultimate existence. Because of the negative influence of this particular version of amizade, the "good-old boy" construct cannot survive. While masculine social organizations are viewed as essential components to succeeding in Brazilian society, Verissimo shows us that male bonding and amizade can sometimes encourage bad behavior and hinder a group's ability to succeed. Sadly for the Clube do Picadinho, friendship equals death, for both the individual and for the organization.

INDEPENDENT SCHOLAR MA, PORTUGUESE, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

WORKS CITED

Farr, Kathryn Ann. "Dominance Bonding through the Good Old Boys Sociability Group." Sex Roles 18 (5,6) (1988): 259-277.

Franklin II, Clyde W. Men & Society. Chicago: Nelson-Hall, 1988.

Heald, Tim. Old Boy Networks: Who We Know and How We Use Them. New York: Ticknor & Fields, 1984.

"Make Mincemeat of." Dictionarist.com. Dictionarist, 2011. Web. 12 Jun. 2011.

Novinger, Tracy. Communicating with Brazilians: When "Yes" Means "No". Austin: U Texas P, 2003.

Spain, Daphne. "The Spatial Foundations of Men's Friendships and Men's Powers." Men's Friendships. Ed. Peter M. Nardi. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications, 1992. 59-73.

Verissimo, Luis Fernando. O Clube dos Anjos. Rio de Janeiro: Editora Objetiva Ltda., 1998.

White, E.B. One Man's Meat. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1944.

(1) Interestingly, the club's own title, O Clube do Picadinho, hints of future ruin. While picadinho is a type of beef stew, the Brazilian expression "fazer picadinho" connotes making mincemeat of, or destroying, someone or something ("Making Mincemeat"). Similar to the cancerous amizade that is destroying the group from within, Lucidio is also "fazendo picadinho do clube" by poisoning the members one at a time.