THE CAKE, THE GAZE, AND THE SILENCE

THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADOLESCENT HOMOAFFECTIVE COUP DE FOUDRE AND THE ASYMMETRY OF DESIRE IN THE TELENOVELA

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55738/alaic.v25i51.1386

Keywords:

Telenovela, Melodrama, Adolescence, Telepoetics

Abstract

This article analyzes the construction of adolescent homoaffective coup de foudre in the telenovela Mi Marido Tiene Familia (Televisa, 2017-2019). Grounded in melodrama theory and queer studies, it investigates how the “text of muteness” (Brooks, 1976) communicates the interdicted desire between the teenagers Aris and Temo. The stylistic analysis of their initial contacts reveals that the disruption of habitus, the asymmetry of the gaze, and sublimation through sports operate as narrative resources to legitimize the affection. It is concluded that the aesthetics of silence validate dissident existence even before verbalization.

Author Biography

João Paulo Hergesel, Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas

Professor at the School of Language and Communication and researcher at the Program of Human and Integral Development of the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (PUC-Campinas/Brazil). Ph.D. in Communication (UAM/Brazil), with a postdoctoral degree in Communication and Culture (Uniso/Brazil). Member of the research group SOLARIS – Solidarity, Responsible Actions and Social Innovation (CNPq/PUC-Campinas/Brazil).

Published

07/20/2026

How to Cite

HERGESEL, J. P. THE CAKE, THE GAZE, AND THE SILENCE: THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADOLESCENT HOMOAFFECTIVE COUP DE FOUDRE AND THE ASYMMETRY OF DESIRE IN THE TELENOVELA. Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias de la Comunicación, [S. l.], v. 25, n. 51, 2026. DOI: 10.55738/alaic.v25i51.1386. Disponível em: https://revista.pubalaic.org/index.php/alaic/article/view/1386. Acesso em: 4 oct. 2026.