Abstract
The study interprets the work penned by Lima Barreto, a prominent Brazilian writer, on the background of historical and intellectual currents of his time. In the beginning, it comments the specific form of Brazilian modernity and Lima Barreto's vision of humanity and the tak of literature.
The following analysis of the novel Triste Fim de Policarpo Quaresma proceeds from the criticism of the false patriotism of Brazilian Republic, comments the concept of national identity and the superficial modernization of Brazilian society and the role of the Army and dictator in Brazilian tradition. Finally, it reflects the Brazilian form of the "banality of evil".