Quincas Borba

" Quincas Borba " is the title of a novel by Brazilian author Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis from the year 1891.

The figure Quincas Borba also occurs in Machado de Assis 's novel " Memórias de Brás Cubas Póstumas ". In addition to this work, and "Dom Casmurro " counts " Quincas Borba " the most important works of Brazilian author.

In German the novel was published in translation and with an afterword by Georg Rudolf Lind 1982 in Bibliothek Suhrkamp.

Content

The story describes the life of the teacher Rubião who became rich as the sole heir of the philosopher Quincas Borba. The only condition to the heir can, was the inclusion of the dog from Borba, who funnily enough had the same name as his former owner. Therefore, it is not clearly identify in the novel, whether the title refers to the philosopher or his dog.

As the story progresses Rubião learns the lovers Palha and Sofia know. When Rubião in love with Sofia, this is the beginning of his downfall. Later, he is betrayed by Palha, who took advantage of this situation. Rubião is poor and crazy. Shortly before his death are Rubião the remarkable words

Of itself. Ironically, this phrase was part of the final summary of a story of the philosopher Quincas Borba, with this his philosophy of " Humanitismo " described. In this story, it involved two different tribes, who fought for a single potato field. The terms of forces superior root destroyed the others and took the potatoes, making his survival was assured.

In the novel " Quincas Borba " are Palha and Sofia the winners, while Rubião is the Whacked. According to the philosophy Quincas Borba's analogy of " Humanitismo " is applicable to all possible situations of life.