Jorge Luis Borges and Evita Perón

Jorge Luis Borges

Borges writes in the format of a conversation. Through the format, broken grammar and vulgar language we are able to get an intimate feel for who this character is and where he is from (even though I had to remind myself this kid was not from the US due to his slang). The piece was confusing in the sense that I did not know the context very well and was slowly uncovering who the character’s were and what they were doing. Having little  knowledge on Peronism and the military acts against Jewish people, this piece was shocking. I am glad that this excerpt was my one of my first encounters with text about this history, as it depicts the depths of the men’s experience within the horrific actions. This excerpt shows how the young men passively struggle with the desire to leave and their newfound obsession with violence. The men both hate and admire their superiors; both want to escape but it seems to have become a game and where else would accept the violence they have become accustomed to? The internal dilemmas of the youth forced into service are clear in the nonchalant, chaotic but thorough way in which the character tells his story to the mysterious Nelly.

Evita Perón

This extract was articulate and passionate  however it was also contradictory and somewhat self centered. I truly admire Evita for her commitment to the people and to change. She represented the voices that were never felt or heard in a system that failed in standing for the people. She opened the eyes to many that felt powerless in the face of oligarchy and preached the immense power of the people and manipulation of the wealthy/government. Although I do agree with many points and aspects that Evita brought to light, I am also sceptical due to her endless love for Perón and her contradictions. I question how much she believed in due to his perceptions of the world. Additionally, this excerpt seems to promote Perón and keep the people on his side even in Evita’s death.