Student Question
Why does Bento suspect Capitu of infidelity in Dom Casmurro?
Quick answer:
Bento suspects Capitu of infidelity due to his paranoia and jealousy, particularly concerning her relationship with his best friend, Escobar. He interprets her mourning of Escobar after his death as romantic love and doubts her fidelity further when he notices their son resembles Escobar more than himself. His suspicions are fueled by their past interactions and his perception of Capitu's behavior towards other men.
The novel hinges on Bento's uncontrollable paranoia over his wife's fidelity. This irrational fear relates primarily to Capitu's relationship with Benito's best friend, Escobar, during his life and after his death. He also suspects her when she even looks at other men.
Escobar's help in passing notes between them during their courtship is one item of "evidence" because they were alone together.
After Escobar dies, Capitu mourns their friend. Bento interprets her grief as evidence that she had loved him. He can only believe that this was romantic love, with a sexual component.
To Bento's mind, the worst thing is his suspicion that Escobar fathered their son. As the boy grows, Bento becomes increasingly convinced that his child looks like Escobar, rather than him.
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