The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas

Eugênia’s physical disability perplexes Brás, as he sees it as incompatible with her beauty. Despite not intending to take their affair seriously, he postpones his return to Rio de Janeiro, enjoying mornings in her company. Eugênia expresses her affection, and despite Dona’s watchfulness, the couple share a first kiss. Brás praises Eugênia’s discreet actions to conceal their affair from Dona.

The narrator defends himself against cynicism accusations, urging sensitive readers concerned about how he never intended to wed Eugênia to broaden their view. He emphasizes that his feelings for Eugênia were natural.

Brás grapples with the discomfort of ending his involvement with Eugênia before returning to Rio de Janeiro. He wavers between pity and embarrassment, and Eugênia, acknowledging and agreeing with his unwillingness to marry a disabled woman like herself, bids him farewell. Brás departs, feeling a mix of bitterness and satisfaction in obeying his father’s wishes.

Brás returns home, where his father warmly greets him. He muses over Eugênia and ponders if her life was necessary in the grand scheme of things.

Before visiting Dutra’s house, Brás asks about any marriage arrangements. Despite the lack of a formal agreement, his father suggests that marrying Dutra’s daughter, Virgília, could accelerate his political goals. At Dutra’s home, he finds the family pleasant and shares glances with Virgília, in apparent mutual interest. Within a month, the couple develops a close bond.

While strolling through town, Brás’s pocket watch breaks, leading him to a dusty jewelry shop for repairs. Inside, he encounters his aged former lover, Marcela, who inherited the shop from one of her deceased lovers. Marcela bears smallpox scars on her face, a sight that troubles Brás. She shares her struggles running the declining business and, despite Brás’s discomfort, insists on fixing his watch. Now older, Brás perceives Marcela’s unrelenting greed more clearly.

A watchmaker from the neighborhood visits Marcela’s shop with his daughter. He shares stories about how much his daughter admires Marcela. Marcela feels delighted about their friendly bond and expresses joy about the girl’s fondness for her.

Having received his repaired watch, Brás feels a mix of emotions as he leaves Marcela’s shop. Feeling nostalgic, he hurries to his waiting carriage, sensing an unexplainable mental unease. As he rides through town, the carriage feels motionless, increasing his discomfort. Impatiently, he prompts the coachman to move, realizing he’s already arrived at Dutra’s.

As he enters the residence, Brás, absorbed in thoughts of Marcela, sees in Virgília scars akin to Marcela’s, leaving him surprised and puzzled. Virgília comments on his tardiness and turns distant. Noticing her indifference, Brás attempts to engage in small talk, but she remains unresponsive.

Brás reflects on a chain reaction of emotional connections between people and how his encounter with Marcela indirectly affected his interaction with Virgília.

A man named Lobo Neves overshadows Brás, swiftly gaining Virgília’s favor and securing a political position. Dutra advises Brás to wait for another opportunity in the candidacy race due to Lobo’s strong backing.

The disappointment of Brás not achieving a higher social standing deeply affects his father, who feels a sense of disillusionment during the four months leading up to his death. Despite some comfort from a minister’s visit, his profound sadness persists.

Brás outlines notes for a melancholic account of his father’s funeral. However, he chooses not to delve into this ordinary narrative and simply acknowledges his notes without detailing the event.

A week after their father’s passing, Brás; his sister, Sabina; and her husband, Cotrim, engage in a somber discussion about the inheritance. They negotiate over the value and distributions of the estates, enslaved individuals, and an ancient set of silverware. Despite attempts at compromise, tensions rise as they argue. Eventually, they proceed with the division, but the disagreement strains the relationship between Brás and Sabina, previously close siblings.

Following his father’s death, Brás adopts a semi-reclusive lifestyle. He attends social gatherings sporadically but dedicates most of his time to writing, occasionally delving into politics and literature. He questions his inability to attain the same success as Lobo, believing himself to be more capable.

Luís Dutra, a poet and Virgília’s cousin, often seeks validation for his work from Brás. Aiming to undermine his confidence, Brás deliberately avoids discussing his writings, engaging him in other conversations to divert his attention.

Brás ponders the importance of gazing at the tip of one’s nose. To him, the act separates people from outside influences, enabling a deeper self-awareness and comprehension of the world. This introspective reflection is crucial for personal balance and the advancement of humanity.

Brás learns from Virgília’s cousin, Luís Dutra, that she is married to Lobos Neves. The following day, he encounters her in public, noticing her enhanced beauty. During their encounters at balls and events, Brás experiences a blend of emotions while dancing and conversing with her.

Brás finds a gold coin on the street and initially decides to keep it. Feeling troubled, he writes to the chief of police the next day to help find its rightful owner. By returning the coin, he feels rectified regarding his interaction with Virgília, amending the moral lapse of engaging with a married woman.

Brás finds a package while walking on the beach. Initially hesitant, he takes it home and discovers it contains a significant sum of money. Briefly concerned about the legality of keeping it, he ultimately feels entitled to the money, considering it a fortunate stroke of fate.

Virgília and Brás’s connection strengthens, leading to a concealed, trembling kiss exchanged at the gate of her estate.

Brás reflects on the kiss shared with Virgília, finding it a source of delight that keeps him awake. He revels in fantasies about their relationship instead of dwelling on time lost.

This chapter features an omitted exchange between Brás and Virgília, portrayed through a series of ellipses, exclamation points, and question marks.

Brás ponders why his relationship with Virgília did not progress earlier and realizes that the circumstances were not conducive for their feelings to develop. He now perceives that the conditions have become opportune for their affection to flourish.

Brás acknowledges the genuine love he and Virgília share for one another and surrenders their future to fate, recognizing the contradiction in their forbidden love.

Initially intimidating to Brás, Lobo Neves comes to confide in him, speaking of his deep love and trust in Virgília and his disillusionment and dissatisfaction with politics. Brás comforts and encourages him, recognizing the hidden discontent behind his cheerful demeanor.

After meeting Lobo, Brás encounters an old schoolmate, now a minister, which stirs his ambition for prestige. Later, he encounters Quincas Borba, who is now impoverished and unhoused. Shocked, Brás offers him job assistance, but Quincas prefers money as he refuses to work. Feeling a mix of pity and disgust, Brás gives him money and attempts to leave.

Quincas comments on Brás’s affluent appearance and questions him about his lifestyle. He requests future financial assistance and unexpectedly embraces Brás before departing. Initially feeling disheartened by his former colleague’s current state, Brás later discovers he stole his pocket watch during the embrace.

Dining in a somber mood, Brás reflects on childhood memories and Quincas’s condition compared to his potential. He decides to assist his old colleague and hurriedly leaves, seeking him out on the streets. Although he does not find Quincas, he intends to return later for another attempt. As night arrives, he heads to Virgília’s home.

Brás quickly forgets about Quincas as he meets Virgília. She serves as a comforting refuge for him and his haven from life’s discomforts, rendering past troubles inconsequential.

Virgília worries about her husband’s suspicions, but Brás tries to comfort her, linking it to political concerns. Lost in thought, he suggests they escape together to live elsewhere. Initially interested, Virgília fears her husband’s reaction. Despite Brás’s attempts to reassure her, Lobo’s arrival interrupts their conversation. Brás grows jealous during dinner and leaves after the meal.

The next day, Brás visits a distressed Virgília, who accuses him of mistreating her during dinner the night before. He admits to feeling jealous of her husband’s affection. When Virgília proposes a secluded house instead of fleeing, Brás questions her love and accuses her of selfishness. Virgília cries, and Brás tries to comfort her, mindful of potential eavesdroppers. Eventually, they reconcile and reconsider the idea of a secluded house.

Brás closely observes several individuals, including a baroness and two of Virgília’s relatives, Viegas and her cousin Luis Dutra. He suspects they might know about his affair with Virgília. Through their mannerisms and subtle inquiries, he feels a sense of surveillance surrounding him and his lover.