In "Grande Sertão: Veredas," João Guimarães Rosa explores the struggles of the impoverished, highlighting their isolation and the hardships they face without resources. The imagery of the poor man alone on an island symbolizes his detachment from society and the challenges he endures as he navigates life without the advantages that others possess.

The mention of generals consuming the man on foot emphasizes the disparity between the powerful and the powerless. It reflects a broader commentary on social inequality, illustrating how those in authority often thrive at the expense of the marginalized, underscoring the theme of survival in a harsh and unforgiving landscape.