Philosopher or Dog? (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)
At a glance:
- Author: Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis
- First Published: 1891
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Psychological
- Time of Work: 1869-1872
- Setting: Rio de Janeiro and Barbacena, Brazil
- Genres: Long fiction, Psychological fiction, Philosophical realism
- Subjects: Philosophy or philosophers, Dogs, Nineteenth century, Mental illness, Adultery, Brazil or Brazilians
- Locales: Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Characters Discussed
Pedro Rubião de Alvarenga, a simple schoolteacher known simply as Rubião. He befriends the eccentric and dying Quincas Borba, from whom he unexpectedly inherits a substantial fortune and the obligation to care for the deceased’s dog, also named Quincas Borba. While traveling to Rio de Janeiro, he meets Christiano and Sophia Palha, who introduce him into Rio’s high society. He suffers from his unrequited love for Sophia. A generous man, he lends money freely, gives lavish gifts, and frequently entertains his many new friends, gradually dissipating his...
[The entire page is 814 words long]
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