TRISTE FIM DE POLICARPO QUARESMA | RESUMÃO #7

Summary

In this video, the tragic story of Policarpo Quaresma, a character from Lima Barreto's novel *O Triste Fim de Policarpo Quaresma*, is explored. Policarpo is an idealistic and patriotic man who dedicates his life to improving Brazil through cultural and agricultural reforms. However, his unwavering devotion leads to his downfall as his efforts are ridiculed, undermined by political corruption, and ultimately betrayed by the very country he sought to save. The video delves into themes of blind nationalism, political disillusionment, and the harsh realities of Brazilian society during the late 19th century, presenting Policarpo’s tragic end as a cautionary tale of idealism gone wrong.

Takeaways

• 😀 Policarpo Quaresma is a patriotic and idealistic character, deeply passionate about the cultural and national identity of Brazil.
• 😀 The novel is set in the late 19th century, during the Revolta da Armada of 1893, and takes place primarily in Rio de Janeiro and rural areas.
• 😀 Policarpo is a simple man with few possessions, working as a minor official in the military, yet his belief in Brazil's greatness leads to ridicule and misunderstanding.
• 😀 His efforts to promote Brazilian culture, such as learning to play the guitar and study indigenous traditions, are mocked by others as eccentric and outdated.
• 😀 Policarpo's fanatical patriotism extends to proposing Tupi as the official language of Brazil, arguing that Portuguese is foreign and unworthy of the country.
• 😀 Despite his sincerity, Policarpo is dismissed from his position after mistakenly submitting a document written in Tupi, which is seen as a sign of his mental instability.
• 😀 The second part of the story focuses on Policarpo's venture into agriculture, where he buys a farm to prove Brazil's agricultural potential, but it ends in failure due to political corruption, poor infrastructure, and natural pests.
• 😀 The third part of the novel deals with the Revolta da Armada, where Policarpo, ever the patriot, fights for the government, leading to his eventual injury and further alienation.
• 😀 Policarpo's downfall culminates in his unjust execution after being falsely accused of treason, executed by the very country he fought for and loved.
• 😀 The novel critiques blind nationalism, bureaucracy, and the lack of critical thinking, showcasing how Policarpo's idealism leads to his tragic demise.
• 😀 Lima Barreto uses Policarpo's character to explore themes of social injustice, the failure of political systems, and the contradiction between idealism and reality.
• 😀 The story ends on a sad note, with Policarpo's belief in Brazil being shattered as he dies at the hands of the government he trusted, symbolizing the tragic consequences of misplaced loyalty and patriotism.

Q & A

What is the main theme of *O Triste Fim de Policarpio Quaresma*?

The main theme of the novel is the critique of excessive nationalism (ufanismo) and idealism, as embodied by the protagonist, Policarpio Quaresma. His blind patriotism and misguided attempts to 'save' Brazil lead to his tragic end, highlighting the dangers of idealism disconnected from reality.

What is the significance of Policarpio Quaresma's character in the novel?

Policarpio Quaresma is portrayed as a tragic hero, akin to Don Quixote, whose obsessive pursuit of ideals—such as promoting Brazilian culture and agricultural reform—ultimately leads to his downfall. His character illustrates the consequences of misguided idealism in the face of societal and political realities.

How does Lima Barreto critique Brazilian society in the novel?

Lima Barreto critiques Brazilian society by highlighting the country's bureaucratic corruption, political clientelism, and the disconnection between intellectuals and the reality of the working class. The novel also critiques the naive patriotism that ignores the complexities of Brazilian society and culture.

What role does agriculture play in Policarpio's efforts to 'save' Brazil?

Agriculture becomes Policarpio's second attempt to 'save' Brazil after his failure to promote Brazilian culture. He invests in a farm, but his efforts are thwarted by political corruption, poor land quality, and natural pests, leading to the farm's eventual bankruptcy and further reinforcing the futility of his idealism.

Why does Policarpio Quaresma choose to study indigenous culture?

Policarpio believes that the key to truly understanding Brazilian culture lies in the traditions of the indigenous people. He seeks to promote the indigenous language (Tupi) and cultural practices as a way of reviving Brazil's 'authentic' identity, which he feels is being overshadowed by European influences, particularly Portuguese.

What happens to Policarpio during the Revolta da Armada?

During the Revolta da Armada, Policarpio Quaresma, motivated by his patriotism, fights in support of Floriano Peixoto, the president of Brazil. Despite his efforts, he is ultimately injured and betrayed by the very country he sought to defend, leading to his tragic execution after the revolt ends.

How does Lima Barreto depict Rio de Janeiro's suburbs in the novel?

Lima Barreto depicts the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro in a positive light, showcasing the working class as honest, hardworking, and deserving of respect. This is a departure from previous depictions of the poor, who were often portrayed as dehumanized or animalistic in literature.

What is the significance of Policarpio's death?

Policarpio's death is symbolic of the betrayal he faces from the country he so deeply loved and tried to save. He is executed by the military, illustrating the tragic irony that a man who devoted his life to serving Brazil is killed by the very forces he sought to support.

How does *O Triste Fim de Policarpio Quaresma* foreshadow the modernist movement in Brazil?

The novel's use of informal, colloquial language and its critique of intellectualism and bureaucracy foreshadows the modernist movement that would later take root in Brazil. Lima Barreto's approach, especially his portrayal of the working class and critique of established norms, laid the groundwork for the changes in literature that would come with the Week of Modern Art in 1922.

What role do secondary characters, such as Adelaide and Ricardo Coração dos Outros, play in the story?

Secondary characters like Adelaide, Policarpio's sister, and Ricardo Coração dos Outros, his friend, serve to highlight the contrast between Policarpio's idealism and the pragmatic realities of the people around him. They represent the societal pressure and ridicule Policarpio faces, as well as the indifference or inability of others to intervene in his misguided pursuits.