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?