Throughout the book, da Cunha seems to have sympathy for the oppressed sertanejos and to doubt the progress and modernity of republican ideals. Through their conflict with the Canudos commune, the forces of modernity and progress are revealed to be just as irrational as their supposedly "uncivilized" opponents and the legitimacy of the republic is shaken at its foundations.
Throughout the book, da Cunha appears to harbor compassion for the downtrodden sertanejos and harbors doubts about the advancement and sophistication of republican principles. Through their struggle with the Canudos commune, the forces of modernity and progress are revealed to be just as irrational as their supposedly "backward" adversaries and the legitimacy of the republic is shaken at its core.