Description
A wealthy man and self-styled philosopher, Quincas Borba, dies and leaves his fortune to Rubião, a modest teacher whose life is suddenly transformed by wealth and attention. As Rubião is drawn into the ambitions, intrigues, and casual cruelties of high society, the novel follows his rise—and the humiliating unraveling that follows—through a lens of sharp satire and psychological insight. Machado de Assis uses this story to probe themes of power, self-deception, moral blindness, and the way “philosophies” can be weaponized to justify desire and neglect. With its elegant prose and famously incisive irony, the book offers a profound critique of 19th-century Brazilian social dynamics while revealing how easily human beings mistake luck for merit and affection for loyalty.
Available Editions
paperback
Ediouro
Published Jan 1, 1990
169 pages
ISBN: 9788500907265
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Details
First Published
1899
Language
por
Content Warnings
Content and trigger warnings for Quincas Borba by Machado de Assis.