QUINCAS BORBA - MACHADO DE ASSIS - RESUMÃO#14

Summary

The video discusses Machado de Assis' novel *Quincas Borba*, analyzing its characters, themes, and philosophical underpinnings. The story follows Rubião, a man who inherits a fortune from the philosopher Quincas Borba, only to lose his mental stability while navigating relationships, wealth, and societal expectations in Rio de Janeiro. The narrative explores the concept of humanitas, survival of the fittest, and the battle for resources, symbolized by the famous phrase, 'To the winner, the potatoes.' Through satire and irony, the novel critiques the materialism, opportunism, and false appearances in society.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novel *Quincas Borba* by Machado de Assis is a realist work that explores themes of wealth, survival, and philosophical ideas.
• 😀 The protagonist, Rubião, transitions from a humble professor to a wealthy man after inheriting a fortune from the philosopher Quincas Borba.
• 😀 Quincas Borba teaches Rubião a survivalist philosophy called 'Humanitas,' which is symbolized by the phrase 'Ao vencedor, as batatas' (To the winner, the potatoes).
• 😀 The story critiques human nature, highlighting the importance of appearances, opportunism, and self-interest in relationships.
• 😀 Rubião’s growing obsession with wealth and power leads to his eventual mental breakdown, symbolizing the corrupting influence of materialism.
• 😀 The novel portrays a sharp social critique of the carioca (Rio de Janeiro) society, particularly its falseness and the pursuit of personal gain.
• 😀 Characters like Sofia and Cristiano manipulate Rubião, reflecting how the pursuit of wealth and power often leads to deception and exploitation.
• 😀 The concept of 'Humanitas' in the novel reflects the harsh realities of survival, where competition for resources can lead to destruction of others.
• 😀 The novel connects to Machado de Assis' earlier works, especially *Memórias Póstumas de Brás Cubas*, through recurring characters like Quincas Borba.
• 😀 The ending is tragic: Rubião dies in a state of delusion, and Quincas Borba, the dog, also dies shortly after, reflecting the grim outcomes of blind ambition and materialism.

Q & A

What is the literary movement to which *Quincas Borba* belongs?

The novel *Quincas Borba* belongs to the literary movement of Realism, which was a major influence in the second half of the 19th century.

Who is the narrator of *Quincas Borba*, and what is their narrative style?

The narrator of *Quincas Borba* is a third-person omniscient narrator, who provides an efficient perspective on the actions and thoughts of the characters.

What is the significance of the setting in *Quincas Borba*?

The story starts in Barbacena, Minas Gerais, but most of the novel takes place in Rio de Janeiro, during the latter half of the 19th century. This setting reflects the transition from rural to urban life in Brazil during this time.

How does Rubião become wealthy in *Quincas Borba*?

Rubião becomes wealthy after inheriting a fortune from his friend Quincas Borba, a philosopher who died and left him the inheritance, along with the condition that Rubião must take care of his dog, also named Quincas Borba.

Who is Quincas Borba, and what is his role in the novel?

Quincas Borba is a philosopher who becomes wealthy through inheritance. He plays a significant role in the development of the novel's central themes, particularly with his philosophy of 'Humanitas,' which emphasizes survival through struggle.

What is the philosophy of 'Humanitas' in *Quincas Borba*?

'Humanitas' is a central philosophical concept in the novel, presented by Quincas Borba. It posits that life is a constant struggle, where individuals must fight for survival, often at the expense of others. This is symbolized by the 'battle' over resources, such as the metaphor of the field of potatoes.

How does Rubião’s character evolve throughout the novel?

Rubião starts as a humble, naïve man who inherits wealth but gradually becomes consumed by greed, delusions of grandeur, and a sense of entitlement. His obsession with power and money leads him to madness, highlighting the themes of ambition and moral decay.

What role do Sofia and Cristiano Palha play in Rubião’s downfall?

Sofia and Cristiano Palha manipulate Rubião by offering their help with his newfound wealth, but they are primarily motivated by their own interests. Sofia, in particular, deceives Rubião, leading him to believe in a romantic relationship, which contributes to his growing obsession and eventual insanity.

What does the title *Quincas Borba* refer to in the context of the novel?

The title *Quincas Borba* refers to both the philosopher Quincas Borba and his dog, also named Quincas Borba. Both characters represent the core idea of 'Humanitas,' and their fates are intertwined with Rubião’s journey throughout the story.

What is the ultimate fate of Rubião and the dog Quincas Borba?

Rubião ultimately succumbs to madness, wandering the streets of Barbacena before dying in a state of delirium. His dog, Quincas Borba, also dies shortly after him, symbolizing the intertwined fates of the two and the philosophical concept of survival through struggle.