EN
This paper intends to expose two currents of thought concerning the future of miscegenation and Brazilian ethnic constitution from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. On one hand, we have non‑assimilationist group, characterized here by the expression “realistic pessimism.” And, on the other hand, the majority group, formed by assimilationists and summarized by the expression “genocidal optimism.” Then, three Brazilian authors who deal with the theme are presented as examples: Aluísio Azevedo (O mulato), Machado de Assis (Pai contra mãe) and Nelson Rodrigues (Anjo negro).