1955 Summary and Analysis

The diary of Carolina Maria de Jesus begins on July 15, 1955, the birthday of her youngest child and only daughter, Vera Eunice. Carolina has no money and scavenges in the trash bins for food and clothing for herself and her children. She is ill and also disappointed that her wait for a special "someone" is in vain. A charity gives Carolina rice, beans and macaroni and she feels less stress, although her son, Jose, misbehaves and neighbors want him punished. She says that women in the favela are childish for fighting with actual children. The other women harass Carolina regularly. Carolina has no tolerance for adults who do not work, who drink, and who live off charity or parents.

On July 19, Carolina carries water, cleans their little shack, and sells some papers to buy milk and bread, then hires Senor Ireno Venancio da Silva...