This week I decided to take the advice of my peers this week and alternate the ways in which I normally approach the weekly blogs: to watch the lecture first, then read the book. I think I’ll be doing this from now on as I was able to grasp on to the central themes of the book for effectively–so thank you to whoever recommended that (I can’t remember whose blog it was that referenced that:( )–but thank you!! If I’m being honest though, although I am not usually a huge fan of poetry, I enjoyed last week’s more than this–but still, a great experience to explore Borge’s work:)
Reading Labryinths by Borges this week was…interesting? I enjoyed it but I was a bit confused along the way, although again, watching the lecture helped clear up some of that confusion before delving into the book. Dr. Beasely-Murray was correct when he mentioned that there is not other literary legend unlike Borges who loves to ‘play’ with the reader; with the ideas of reality, time, and journeys–perhaps through that of a literal and metaphorical labryinth or maze.
A favourite of mine was “The Circular Ruins”. I thought this story was not void of any confusing plotlines, but that’s on me in all honesty, because I usually get confused with stories about realities, immortality, and dreams (you should have seen me when I first watched “Inception”). But, nonetheless, I found Borges writing style to be so effective and imaginative, especially when he talked about bringing about reality from dreams. I thought it was such an interesting concept. It made me wonder that despite being published in the early 1940’s, if this concept of dreams and what IS reality has been explored in literature? The title itself, “Circular Ruins” right away made me think that the ruins themselves are…circular. But, thinking about Borge’s central ideas of time, reality, and dreams, perhaps it could suggest a figurative meaning, as well, such as that dreams are neverending or continuous, much like that of a circle. This made me curious, so after I was done reading the book, I went and searched how many times “infinity” was mentioned–14! Although maybe not the most significant, I still found it to be interesting and how these themes can be seen all throughout–not just in one story.
A question I have for you is: Which short story was your favourite? Did you also find the book to be somewhat confusing?
Sometimes Borges leaves us clues, which can be subtle or obvious, depending on the type of story. Each reader is different and finds some aspect or another interesting, and this is also reflected in his preference for one of the stories in particular. What is there in “The Circular Ruins” that made you interested in the narrative? It seems to me that the reference that you yourself have made about Inception gives me an idea.
Hi Ashley,
I love the idea- I’ll certainly give it a shot for next week’s book. I can certainly see why watching the lecture first would help with the understanding of the book- so thank you for sharing this recommendation (thanks to the person who recommended this to you as well!).
I have to admit, I also experienced confusion while reading the book, but stragely enough, I enjoyed being confused for once lol. In some sense, the stories required deep thinking and I loved that!
Hey!
I totally agree with watching the lecture before reading the books! I’ve done it a few times now and it really has made a difference to me and my understanding. Although, even watching the lecture before this week’s reading, I was still left quite confused. After gaining some insight about Borges, it is understandable why one might be confused when looking at his writing style. I didn’t particularly enjoy this reading, but it was not the worst thing I have read.
Hey Ashley,
Enjoyed your post and I can definitely relate that it was confusing. But i didn’t find it confusing in an annoying way, rather i kind of enjoyed not always being able to grasp exactly what he’s getting at which made it a really interesting read!
Hi Ashley,
I agree that watching the lecture videos prior to the reading helps my understanding so much since I started doing it! Especially for this week with the discussion of Borges’ love of play. I also found Labyrinths to be enjoyable to read but at times quite confusing, but I think the confusion is part of what made it enjoyable. However, I for sure did have moments where I felt so confused that I simply had to put the book down for a bit and just step away.
Hi Ashley! A million times yes!! I did find the book quite confusing as I’m more of a romance typa gal. I did enjoy ‘The Garden of Forking Paths’, I think that was one that was easier to follow among the rest and definitely was interesting to me!
I’ve started watching the lectures before writing my blog post as well, as I feel it gives me more insight into the behind the scenes of the book, and provides information on the authour, their intentions, and how the time influenced what was written.
I also found the book confusing, so confusing in fact that it was frustrating to get through… however facing difficulties only improves us and our abilities, because if we never attempted to complete something that was difficult, we’d all be quite mediocre at things. At least that’s what we spoke about in class today and it stood out to me. I also really enjoyed The Circular Ruins!