QUINCAS BORBA - MACHADO DE ASSIS | Resumo e comentários

Summary

In this educational video, a teacher delves into *Quincas Borba*, a classic novel by Machado de Assis, offering a comprehensive analysis for students preparing for college entrance exams. The teacher discusses key themes, characters, and the philosophical underpinning of the novel, focusing on *Humanitas*, the law of the strongest. The story follows Rubião, a naïve man who inherits a fortune but is manipulated by a selfish couple, leading to his eventual downfall and madness. The video explores the ironic, cruel nature of the narrative and its critique of societal values during 19th-century Brazil.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Quincas Borba* is a classic Brazilian novel by Machado de Assis, part of his *realistic trilogy*.
• 😀 The novel reflects deep critiques of Brazilian society in the late 19th century, focusing on hypocrisy and materialism.
• 😀 *Quincas Borba* was first published in serial form in 1892 and deals with complex philosophical ideas.
• 😀 The story centers around Rubião, who inherits a fortune from Quincas Borba, with the condition of caring for the philosopher's dog.
• 😀 The novel explores the concept of *Humanitas*, the survival-of-the-fittest philosophy, which Rubião struggles to understand.
• 😀 Rubião's newfound wealth leads to his exploitation by a cunning couple, Sofia and Cristiano, who are interested in his money.
• 😀 Rubião's mental state deteriorates as he loses his fortune, and he is eventually diagnosed with dementia.
• 😀 The narrator adopts a cruel, detached tone, offering no sympathy for the characters and highlighting their flaws.
• 😀 *Quincas Borba* illustrates the dehumanizing effects of wealth and societal appearances, with characters driven by self-interest.
• 😀 The tragic ending of the novel emphasizes the futility of wealth, as Rubião dies deluded and his inheritance is passed to the manipulative couple.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Machado de Assis' *Quincas Borba*?

The main theme of *Quincas Borba* revolves around societal hypocrisy, the selfish nature of humans, and the philosophical theory of 'humanitas,' which suggests that only the strongest survive in a competitive world. The novel critiques these ideas while exploring human nature and the consequences of wealth and power.

What is the philosophical theory introduced by Quincas Borba in the novel?

Quincas Borba introduces the philosophical theory of 'humanitas,' which aligns with a Darwinian view that the law of the strongest governs all things. This theory is central to the novel, influencing characters like Rubião and driving much of the plot's developments.

How does Rubião’s character evolve throughout the story?

Rubião starts as a simple, naive man who suddenly becomes wealthy after inheriting Quincas Borba's fortune. His journey takes him from a country bumpkin to someone corrupted by wealth and manipulated by others. Eventually, he descends into madness, losing his sanity and being forgotten by society.

How does the 'straw couple' manipulate Rubião in the story?

The 'straw couple,' Cristiano and Sofia, manipulate Rubião by feigning friendship and affection, with Sofia particularly pretending to fall in love with him for his wealth. They use him to improve their own social standing and financial situation, all while deceiving him into thinking they care about him.

What role does the dog Quincas Borba play in the plot?

The dog Quincas Borba plays a symbolic role in the story. It represents the condition attached to Rubião’s inheritance, which includes taking care of the dog. The dog’s presence highlights Rubião's obligations, but it also underscores his failure to understand the true meaning of his inheritance and the philosophy of 'humanitas.'

What is the significance of the phrase 'To the Winner the Potatoes'?

The phrase 'To the Winner the Potatoes' encapsulates Quincas Borba’s philosophy of 'humanitas,' where survival and success are determined by strength and competition. It reflects the brutal reality of the world, where only the strongest are entitled to benefits, and serves as a recurring motif throughout the novel, especially as Rubião comes to understand it in his final, insane state.

How does the novel critique Brazilian society during the 19th century?

The novel critiques Brazilian society by highlighting its obsession with appearances, wealth, and social status. Through characters like the 'straw couple,' Machado de Assis exposes how people manipulate others for personal gain, while the broader societal context of Brazil as a slave-owning monarchy is also woven into the narrative, adding layers of critique.

What does Rubião’s eventual descent into madness symbolize?

Rubião’s descent into madness symbolizes the consequences of excessive wealth, isolation, and manipulation. It also reflects the fragility of the human mind when confronted with the harsh realities of society and its values, as well as the disillusionment that accompanies the loss of identity and social status.

How does Machado de Assis' narrative style differ in *Quincas Borba* from traditional storytelling?

Machado de Assis employs an ironic, often cruel narrative style in *Quincas Borba*. The narrator not only comments on the characters but also critiques their actions and the social context with a level of detachment and cynicism. This modern style contrasts with more conventional, empathetic storytelling and offers a deeper, more critical examination of human nature.

What is the fate of Rubião’s wealth after his mental decline?

After Rubião's mental decline, his wealth is lost. The 'straw couple' takes control of his assets, and Rubião becomes a figure of ridicule. His money eventually passes to them, but their prosperity is also fleeting. The novel ends with the tragic, ironic realization that Rubião's fortune, like his life, is ultimately forgotten and squandered.