Jorge Luis Borges: A Literary Analysis of His Short Stories
The Immortals
Argument
This story explores the classic work The Iliad, a gift to a princess. It delves into the tale of a man who appears young and immortal, captivated by rumors of a stream whose waters grant eternal life. This sets him on an adventure into the unknown.
Abstract
The play unfolds in London in June 1929, when Princess Joseph Cartaphilus receives the six volumes of Pope’s Iliad. Within the last volume lies a parchment containing the story.
During the reign of Emperor Diocletian, a dying rider informs a citizen about a river that bestows immortality. Located near this river is the city of the Immortals. The Tribune decides to seek out this river and city, embarking on a journey with 200 soldiers. However, as their journey progresses, only the Tribune remains. He reaches the city, parched and exhausted, but not before taking a sip of water. In the city, he encounters Argos, a troglodyte who claims to have written The Odyssey. Argos reveals that the stream is the river of eternal life and that he is now immortal. Realizing that immortality is not what he expected, he embarks on a quest to find a river that will restore his mortality.
The Theologians
Plot
This story centers on two theologians, Aureliano and Juan de Panomia, who challenge the heresies that have emerged over time.
Abstract
On the banks of the Danube, a sect asserts that everything in life is reasonable and repetitive. Aureliano counters with a phrase from Saint Augustine: “Jesus is the straight path that saves us from the circular maze that the impure walk.” John of Panomia triumphs in a theological debate against Aureliano, who feels humiliated and envious. John remarks, “No two faces are alike, no two souls are equal; the time we lose we do not remake.” Aureliano and Juan de Panomia become rivals, combating heresies over the years. Their rivalry intensifies as they refute various sects. Years ago, John had written a refutation of the doctrine of the wheel. He decides to incorporate these writings into his current work, adding that what the buffoons now say had already been said by a theologian with more haste than guilt. This statement leads to John Panomia being burned at the stake, and Aureliano finally rids himself of his adversary. Aureliano is later burned in a forest fire ignited by lightning. As he ascends to heaven, God mistakes him for John Panomia. At that moment, he realizes that before God, John and he are the same person.
Biography of Tadeo Isidoro Cruz
Storyline
This story reveals how life can unexpectedly show you your true self.
Abstract
In 1849, Tadeo Isidoro Cruz arrives in Buenos Aires with a band, committing numerous injustices. His life changes one night when he is sent to arrest a drunken man who has killed another. Cruz corners the man, who defends himself fiercely. Suddenly, Cruz realizes that “no fate is better than another” but that it is crucial for everyone to accept their own. In that moment, he understands his true place and fights alongside the man, Martin Fierro, against the soldiers.
The Warrior and the Captive
Argument
The author presents two stories that initially appear distinct but are, in fact, parallel narratives.
Abstract
The first story features Droctulft, a barbarian who besieges Ravenna. He encounters a woman who resembles his own, but he chooses to protect her and dies in the attempt.
The second story, recounted by the author’s grandmother, tells of her exile in a distant land. There, she meets an Englishwoman with painted faces who has not spoken her native language in years and is married to a “capitanejo.” Moved by the woman’s life, the grandmother offers her protection. However, the Englishwoman replies that she is happy and returns to the desert.
Both the barbarian and the Englishwoman embrace ways of life different from their own, doing so with complete dedication.
Deutsches Requiem
Argument
This story follows Otto Dietrich as he recounts how he came to be facing execution as a murderer.
Abstract
Otto Dietrich is born in Mariemborg in 1908. During his early years, his passions are music and metaphysics. In 1929, he joins the Nazi party. He endures hardship during this time because his wing does not resort to violence. In Tresit, he is shot twice in the leg, leading to amputation. During his convalescence, he realizes that his fate has dealt him the most challenging path: to fully live his ideals rather than fight in the war. In 1941, he is appointed deputy director of the Tanowitz camp.
Among the prisoners is David Jerusalem, a writer and poet. Dietrich’s treatment of Jerusalem is harsh, ultimately driving him to suicide.
As defeat looms, Dietrich experiences a surprising emotion: a feeling akin to happiness. He seeks an explanation, perhaps feeling guilt and needing punishment for redemption.
Facing death, Otto Dietrich recognizes that his body is afraid, but he is not.