7.2 “El Sur” – Jorge Luis Borges

Background of Jorge Luis Borges

Overview of “El Sur"

Themes and Motifs

• Identity: The protagonist, Jorge, is searching for a sense of self and for answers about his father, who he never knew well. This search for identity is central to the story and reflects Borges's interest in the relationship between an individual and their personal history.
• Reality vs. Illusion: Borges often explores the line between what is real and what is imagined in his work. In "El Sur," the protagonist's perceptions of reality are called into question as he uncovers his father's past.
• Family and Ancestry: Borges often explores themes of family and ancestry in his work, and "El Sur" is no exception. The protagonist's search for his father and his place in his family history are central to the story.
• Blindness: Borges uses the character of Adela, a blind woman, as a symbol of the limits of perception and knowledge. Her blindness represents the idea that what we see and what we know is limited by our own experiences and perceptions.
• Dreams and Memory: Borges explores the role of dreams and memory in shaping our perceptions of reality in "El Sur." The protagonist's memories and dreams of his father are central to the story, and Borges uses these to question what is real and what is imagined.

Literary Devices and Techniques

1. Magic Realism: Borges is known for his contributions to the magic realist movement, and "El Sur" is a prime example of this style. The story blends elements of the fantastical and the real to create a dream-like atmosphere.
2. Symbolism: Borges uses symbols and metaphors throughout "El Sur" to explore complex ideas and themes. For example, the character of Adela represents the limits of perception and knowledge, while the protagonist's search for his father symbolizes the search for one's identity and place in the world.
3. Stream of Consciousness: Borges employs a stream of consciousness narrative style in "El Sur," which allows the reader to see into the mind of the protagonist as he reflects on his experiences and memories.
4. Flashbacks and Dreams: Borges employs flashbacks and dream sequences to delve into the protagonist's memory and to question the line between what is real and what is imagined.
5. Irony: Borges uses irony to highlight the limitations of perception and the deceptive nature of reality. For example, the protagonist's father is revealed to be a very different person than he appeared to be, which is revealed through a series of ironic twists and turns.

Impact of the Text

1. Influence on Latin American Literature: Borges is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of the 20th century and is considered a seminal figure in Latin American literature. "El Sur" is considered one of his most iconic works and has had a lasting influence on the genre of magic realism.
2. Exploration of Philosophical and Theoretical Ideas: Borges's work is known for its exploration of philosophical and theoretical ideas, and "El Sur" is no exception. The story's themes of identity, reality, and perception continue to resonate with readers and have inspired numerous literary and cultural debates.
3. Contribution to the Magical Realist Movement: Borges is considered one of the leading figures of the magic realist movement, and "El Sur" is considered a prime example of his contributions to this style. The story's blend of the fantastical and the real has had a lasting impact on the way magic realism is understood and practiced.
4. Legacy and Popularity: Borges's work continues to be widely read and studied, and "El Sur" is one of his most popular and widely anthologized stories. Its imaginative style and exploration of complex ideas have made it a classic of 20th-century literature and a touchstone for subsequent generations of writers and readers.