Key Words
| 1. Books | 8. Happiness | 15. Life |
| 2. Imagination | 9. Humiliation | 16. Death |
| 3. Memory | 10. Misfortune | 17. Technology |
| 4. Blindness | 11. Dreams | 18. History |
| 5. Mother | 12. Art | 19. Emotion |
| 6. Poetry | 13. Creation | 20. Magic |
| 7. Metaphors | 14. Time | 21. Library |
Major Themes
Borges argues that books are not just objects but an essential extension of human imagination and memory, serving as a repository of dreams and history.
Despite his blindness, Borges sees it as a way of life and uses it as a resource to create art. His blindness replaced the visual world with other enriching experiences.
Borges expresses feelings of guilt over not making his mother happier, a sentiment reflecting the universal realization of taking loved ones for granted.
Borges believes that misfortunes and humiliations serve as raw material for creating art. Life’s difficulties are given to us to be transformed into something meaningful.
Borges views poetry as a magical, mysterious act that cannot be precisely defined. The act of poetry happens in different ways for each reader and writer, rooted in precise words that evoke emotion.
Borges identifies certain essential metaphors (time as a river, life as a dream, death as sleep) that have been present across all literatures, emphasizing the poet’s role in rediscovering and reinterpreting them.
Borges strongly believes that despite technological advances, books will never disappear. Their function as the collective memory and imagination of humanity is irreplaceable.
Borges compares literature to a controlled dream, where our past, present, and future are intertwined through the stories and memories preserved in books.
- Answer the following questions in one or two sentences each.
(2 Marks Questions)
- What does Borges say about his first reading experience?
Answer: Borges says his first reading experience was Grimm’s Fairy Tales in an English version, which he read from his father’s library.
- How does Borges describe his feelings towards his mother?
Answer: Borges feels guilty for not having been a happy man, believing that he could have made his mother happier.
- What is Borges’ perspective on blindness?
Answer: Borges considers blindness as a way of life, seeing it as a resource rather than a misfortune.
- How does Borges explain the role of misfortune and humiliation in art?
Answer: Borges believes that misfortune and humiliation are given to us as raw material to create lasting works of art.
- What does Borges think about the idea that books will disappear?
Answer: Borges strongly believes that books will never disappear because they are essential to human imagination and memory.
- Why does Borges admire Emily Dickinson’s poetry?
Answer: Borges admires Emily Dickinson’s ability to find precise words, like in her line “This quiet dust was gentlemen and ladies,” which makes a simple idea poetic.
- What metaphors does Borges think are essential in literature?
Answer: Borges mentions metaphors like time and a river, life and dreams, and death and sleep as essential to literature.
- How does Borges describe poetry?
Answer: Borges describes poetry as an intimate, mysterious act that happens when a poet writes and a reader reads.
- What does Borges say about literature being a dream?
Answer: Borges says literature is like a controlled dream, which connects the past, present, and future.
- How does Borges relate books to human history?
Answer: Borges believes that books are the memory of all centuries, and if they disappeared, history and humanity would also disappear.
- Who was Borges’ first teacher in literature?
Answer: Borges’ first teacher was his father’s library.
- What does Borges regret about his relationship with his mother?
Answer: Borges regrets not making his mother happier during her lifetime.
- How does Borges cope with his blindness?
Answer: Borges copes with his blindness by accepting it as a part of life and using it as a resource for his art.
- What did Borges dream about a library?
Answer: Borges dreamed of a library burning, which he thought might be the library of Alexandria.
- What does Borges say about metaphors?
Answer: Borges says that metaphors have existed from the beginning of time, and it is the poet’s job to discover and express them in new ways.
- Why does Borges still buy books despite being blind?
Answer: Borges continues buying books because they are a source of joy and imagination for him.
- What is Borges’ view on the importance of books in human history?
Answer: Borges believes that books are essential to preserving human history and knowledge.
- What example does Borges give of precise words in poetry?
Answer: Borges gives the example of Emily Dickinson’s line “This quiet dust was gentlemen and ladies” as an example of precise and poetic wording.
- What does Borges say about the author’s intention in a book?
Answer: Borges says that a book goes beyond the author’s intention, containing something mysterious and sacred.
- Why does Borges think that books will not be replaced by modern technology?
Answer: Borges thinks books cannot be replaced by technology because they are an extension of our imagination and memory, unlike other inventions.
- How can you relate Borges’ view on books to modern reading habits?
Answer: Borges believed books are irreplaceable, even today, as they nurture imagination, unlike modern gadgets that offer quick but less meaningful engagement.
- What lessons can we learn from Borges’ feelings of guilt towards his mother?
Answer: We can learn to appreciate and show love to our parents while they are alive, as Borges regretted not doing enough for his mother.
- How can someone use adversity, as Borges suggests, to grow creatively?
Answer: Adversity can be used as a tool for personal growth and creativity, turning difficult experiences into inspiration for art or writing.
- Why is it important to find ‘precise words’ in writing, according to Borges?
Answer: Precise words create emotional depth and magic in writing, transforming simple ideas into poetic expressions.
- How can Borges’ dream of the burning library symbolize the importance of preserving knowledge?
Answer: The dream of a burning library could symbolize the loss of knowledge and culture, highlighting the need to preserve books and learning.
- What is the role of memory in both life and literature, as Borges explains?
Answer: Memory serves as the foundation for both life experiences and literature, preserving the past and shaping our identity.
- What metaphor can you create based on Borges’ ideas about life and dreams?
Answer: Life can be seen as a journey through a river of dreams, where each experience is like a wave moving us forward.
- How can Borges’ positive outlook on blindness inspire others facing challenges?
Answer: Borges’ acceptance of blindness as a resource for creativity shows that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and learning.
- How can we apply Borges’ belief that books are an extension of imagination to today’s digital world?
Answer: In today’s digital world, we can use books, both physical and digital, to expand our imagination and connect with timeless ideas.
- What does Borges’ admiration for Emily Dickinson teach us about the power of simplicity in writing?
Answer: Borges shows that simplicity in writing, when combined with precise words, can convey profound and beautiful emotions.
- Answer the following questions in about 60 words each
(3 Marks)
- How does Borges describe his relationship with his father’s library?
Answer: Borges explains that his father’s library played a crucial role in his early education, shaping him more than formal schooling. His first reading was Grimm’s Fairy Tales in an English version, which sparked his love for literature and formed the foundation of his lifelong reading habits.
- What is Borges’ main regret regarding his mother, and why?
Answer: Borges regrets not having made his mother happier during her lifetime. He feels guilty because he believes he could have brought her more happiness, especially as he grew older, realizing how much she had done for him.
- How does Borges view his blindness, and how does it affect his life?
Answer: Borges views his blindness not as a tragedy but as a way of life. He believes it has opened up new possibilities for creativity, allowing him to focus on different aspects of the world and use his experiences to fuel his writing.
- What does Borges believe is the role of misfortune in an artist’s life?
Answer: Borges believes that misfortune, humiliation, and life’s struggles are given to artists as raw material. These experiences can be transformed into something beautiful and meaningful through art, allowing the artist to turn pain into creation.
- Why does Borges continue to buy books even though he is blind?
Answer: Despite his blindness, Borges continues to buy books because he loves them and still enjoys their presence. He sees books as an extension of his imagination and memory, which remain essential to his life as a reader and writer.
- What is Borges’ opinion on the idea of writing a history of books?
Answer: Borges finds the idea of writing a history of books wonderful but doubts whether he could accomplish it at his age. He recalls that Spengler already wrote remarkable comments about books in his work, showing Borges’ respect for the topic.
- How does Borges define poetry, and why does he say it is difficult to define?
Answer: Borges describes poetry as an intimate, magical, and mysterious event that happens during the act of writing or reading. He says it’s difficult to define poetry because it’s like trying to explain concepts such as love or colors—they are deeply felt but hard to put into words.
- What does Borges believe about the power of precise words in poetry?
Answer: Borges believes that precise words are crucial in poetry because they evoke emotion and transform simple ideas into something beautiful. He admires Emily Dickinson for her ability to find the perfect words, making her poetry powerful and meaningful.
- Why does Borges think that books will never disappear?
Answer: Borges believes books will never disappear because they are unique inventions that extend human imagination and memory. Unlike other tools, which enhance physical abilities, books preserve thoughts, dreams, and history, making them irreplaceable in human life.
- How does Borges describe literature as a dream?
Answer: Borges describes literature as a controlled dream, one that intertwines with memories and imagination. He believes literature shapes who we are and who we will be, preserving the essence of human experience across time through books.
- What was Borges’ first memory of reading, and how did it shape him?
Answer: Borges’ first memory of reading was Grimm’s Fairy Tales in an English version from his father’s library. This early exposure to literature had a profound impact on him, shaping his love for stories and contributing to his development as a writer.
- How does Borges feel about not making his mother happier during her lifetime?
Answer: Borges feels guilty and regretful for not making his mother happier. He compares the situation to how people often take their loved ones for granted, realizing too late how much they should have done for them while they were alive.
- Why does Borges believe blindness is not entirely a misfortune?
Answer: Borges believes blindness is not entirely a misfortune because it has opened new opportunities for creativity. He views all life experiences, including blindness, as resources for artistic creation and a way to explore different aspects of the world.
- What dream did Borges have about a burning library, and what could it symbolize?
Answer: Borges dreamt about the burning of a great library, possibly the Library of Alexandria. This dream could symbolize the loss of knowledge and history, which highlights Borges’ belief in the irreplaceable role of books in preserving human civilization.
- How does Borges describe the role of metaphors in literature?
Answer: Borges explains that certain metaphors, like time and a river or life and dreams, are universal and timeless. He believes that it is the poet’s task to rediscover these metaphors, which have been part of literature from the beginning of time.
- Why does Borges continue buying books, even though he is blind?
Answer: Borges continues buying books because they are an important part of his life and imagination, even though he cannot read them. He surrounds himself with books because they bring him joy and connection to the world of literature.
- What does Borges mean when he says that a book goes beyond its author’s intention?
Answer: Borges means that a book contains something more than what the author intended, something sacred and mysterious. A book may have errors, but it transcends its flaws and remains meaningful through its connection to the reader’s imagination.
- How does Borges explain the connection between literature and memory?
Answer: Borges explains that literature acts as a collective memory of human experiences, preserving the past for future generations. He believes that without books, both history and human civilization would be lost, as books hold the dreams and knowledge of all time.
- What example does Borges give of precise wording in poetry?
Answer: Borges gives the example of Emily Dickinson’s line “This quiet dust was gentlemen and ladies” to show how the precise choice of words creates magic in poetry. If she had written “men and women” instead, the line would have lost its poetic quality.
- Why does Borges think books cannot be replaced by modern technology?
Answer: Borges believes that books are irreplaceable because they are extensions of imagination and memory, unlike modern technology, which merely extends our physical abilities. Books preserve human thoughts and dreams, making them essential to culture and history.
- How can Borges’ relationship with books inspire your reading habits?
Answer: Borges’ deep connection to books, even after going blind, can inspire us to value reading as a lifelong source of knowledge and imagination. His belief that books are irreplaceable shows the importance of continuing to explore literature throughout our lives.
- What can we learn from Borges’feelings about his mother regarding family relationships ?
Answer: Borges’ regret about not making his mother happier teaches us to appreciate and cherish our family members while they are alive. We should express love and gratitude instead of taking them for granted, as Borges realized too late.
- How can you turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth, like Borges did with his blindness?
Answer: Like Borges, who used blindness as a resource for creativity, we can turn our own challenges into opportunities for personal growth. Difficult situations can become fuel for learning and creating something new, whether in art or other areas of life.
- How can precise language make your writing more effective, as Borges suggests?
Answer: Precise language can make writing more powerful and emotionally engaging. Like Borges admired in Emily Dickinson’s poetry, choosing the right words can transform a simple idea into something beautiful and meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
- What does Borges’ dream about the burning library teach us about the importance of preserving knowledge? Answer: Borges’ dream about the burning library reminds us of the importance of preserving knowledge through books. It teaches us to value the written word as a way of safeguarding human history, culture, and learning for future generations.
- How does Borges’ idea of literature as a dream connect to the role of imagination in reading?
Answer: Borges’ idea of literature as a controlled dream highlights the role of imagination in reading. When we read, we enter a dream-like state where stories, characters, and ideas come alive, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.
- What metaphor can you create about life, inspired by Borges’ view of essential metaphors?
Answer: Inspired by Borges’ view of essential metaphors, you might create the metaphor that life is like a river, constantly flowing and changing, with each bend and rapid representing the challenges and opportunities we face.
- What does Borges’ acceptance of his blindness teach us about overcoming difficulties?
Answer: Borges’ acceptance of his blindness teaches us that difficulties can be faced with resilience and creativity. By seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can find new ways to enjoy life and pursue our passions, even in the face of adversity.
(FROM QUESTION BANK)
- Which according to Borges is his first literary reading?
Answer: Borges’ first literary reading was “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.”
- According to Borges, in which language did he read ‘Grimm’s Fairy Tales’?
Answer: Borges read “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” in English.
- Where according to Borges was he educated more than high school or the university?
Answer: Borges believes he was educated more by his father’s library than by high school or university.
- Who according to Borges was an extraordinary person?
Answer: Borges says his mother was an extraordinary person.
- Whom does Borges look upon as an intelligent and gracious woman?
Answer: Borges looks upon his mother as an intelligent and gracious woman.
- What according to Borges is blindness to him?
Answer: Borges describes blindness as a way of life that is not entirely unhappy.
a. resource b. misfortune c. embarrassment
Answer: a. resource
Answer: The book mentioned by Borges is “The Odyssey.”
a. Homer b. Spengler c. Goethe
Answer: c. Goethe
- What did Borges fill his house with when the visible world moved away from his eyes?
Answer: Borges filled his house with books even after he lost his sight.
- Which library according to Borges may have been the one he dreamed of?
Answer: Borges believes the library in his dream may have been the Library of Alexandria.
- What exactly did Borges visualize about the library in his dream?
Answer: Borges visualized a great library being attacked by flames and burning.
Answer: The book that Borges says has remarkable comments on books is “The Decline of the West” by Spengler.
- Who according to Borges has predated his attempt to write a history of books?
Answer: Borges believes Spengler predated his attempt to write a history of books.
- Who according to Borges quoted that every book worth being re-read has been written by the spirit? Answer: Borges quotes Bernard Shaw as saying that every book worth being re-read has been written by the spirit.
- What according to Borges is magical, mysterious, and unexplainable?
Answer: According to Borges, poetry is magical, mysterious, and unexplainable.
- Whose line in a poem does Borges remember always?
Answer: Borges always remembers a line from a poem by Emily Dickinson.
- Since when according to Borges do metaphors exist?
Answer: According to Borges, metaphors have existed since the beginning of time.
- Mention any one of the essential metaphors which according to Borges are found in all literatures. Answer: One essential metaphor Borges mentions is “time and a river.”
- What according to Borges will never disappear?
Answer: According to Borges, books will never disappear.
- Which according to Borges is the most astounding invention of man?
Answer: Borges believes the most astounding invention of man is the book.
a. voice b. sight c. arms
Answer: b. sight
- Which of the inventions of man is the extension of our voice according to Borges?
Answer: According to Borges, the telephone is the extension of our voice.
- According to Borges, which of the inventions of man is the extension of our imagination and memory? Answer: According to Borges, the book is the extension of our imagination and memory.
- What according to Borges is a controlled dream?
Answer: Borges describes literature as a controlled dream.
a. dreams b. memories c. experiences
Answer: a. dreams
- When according to Borges would history disappear?
Answer: According to Borges, history would disappear if books were to disappear.
- Answer the following questions in about 100 words each
(4 Marks)
- What does Borges tell us about his mother in particular and all mothers in general?
Answer: Borges describes his mother as an extraordinary person who was kind, intelligent, and gracious. He feels guilty for not being a happier person to give her the joy she deserved. He reflects on how children often take their mothers for granted, comparing this to how we take natural elements like the moon and the sun for granted. Borges believes that only after a mother’s death do we realize how much we have relied on her, feeling a sense of loss and regret for not appreciating her enough during her lifetime.
- How does Borges look upon his blindness?
Answer: Borges views his blindness not as a misfortune but as a way of life that offers him a new perspective. He believes that everything that happens to a person, even something like blindness, is a resource that can be used to create art. Instead of dwelling on what he has lost, Borges focuses on what he has gained, including his ability to experience the world through imagination and memory. His blindness has helped him appreciate other senses and has allowed him to continue filling his life and home with books.
- How according to Borges does a book go beyond its author’s intention?
Answer: Borges believes that a book transcends its author’s intention because it contains more than just the ideas the author wanted to convey. A book, according to him, holds something mysterious, sacred, and magical that allows it to resonate with readers across time. Even if the author’s opinions or intentions are flawed or disagreeable, a book still carries a power that goes beyond those limitations. For Borges, the value of a book lies in its ability to evoke new interpretations and emotions in different readers.
- What are Borges’s views on poetry and poem?
Answer: Borges distinguishes between a poem and poetry, believing that poetry is the aesthetic experience that occurs during the act of creation or when a reader engages with the text. He describes poetry as something intimate, magical, and unexplainable, similar to emotions like love or the color yellow. Poetry, for Borges, is the artistic event that transcends the mere words on a page. It is not the poem itself but the emotional and intellectual response that it evokes in both the poet and the reader.
- To what extent is finding the precise words important in the art of poetry according to Borges?
Answer: Borges believes that finding the precise words is crucial in poetry because it is the precision of language that elicits strong emotions and transforms ordinary ideas into something extraordinary. He gives the example of Emily Dickinson’s line, “This quiet dust was gentlemen and ladies.” He points out that the use of the words “gentlemen and ladies” instead of “men and women” elevates the line from a cliche about death to something poetic and evocative. For Borges, the right words give poetry its magic.
- What are Borges’s views on metaphors?
Answer: Borges believes that metaphors are fundamental to human expression and have existed since the beginning of time. He feels that while the essential metaphors remain constant, such as “time and a river” or “life and dreams,” poets continually rediscover and express them in new ways. Borges argues that the poet’s task is not to invent new metaphors but to present these timeless ideas in a way that resonates with readers. He sees metaphors as a core element of poetry and literature, reflecting universal human experiences.
- Why according to Borges will books never disappear?
Answer: Borges argues that books will never disappear because they are unique inventions that serve as extensions of human imagination and memory. While other inventions like the telephone or the microscope extend our physical capabilities, only the book extends our ability to think, dream, and remember. Borges believes that books are irreplaceable because they are the collective memory of humanity, containing the thoughts and dreams of all people throughout history. Without books, Borges asserts, not only history but also humanity itself would vanish.
- One’s experience is one’s resource. How does Borges expound his views on this?
Answer: Borges believes that every experience, whether positive or negative, serves as raw material for creativity and personal growth. He views life’s challenges, such as his own blindness, as opportunities to shape one’s character and art. According to him, an artist must embrace all aspects of life, including humiliations and misfortunes, as resources to create something meaningful. Borges sees life as a collection of experiences that, when transformed through art, can lead to timeless and universal works.
Answer: Borges explains that poetry is something magical and unexplainable, much like emotions or colors. It cannot be fully defined without losing its essence. While the words in a poem may be simple or symbolic, the true impact of poetry comes from the emotional and intellectual response it triggers in the reader. Borges views poetry as an intimate, mysterious experience that takes place during the act of writing or reading. If this poetic event does not occur, Borges believes the poem has failed to evoke the intended response.
Answer: Borges emphasizes that books serve an irreplaceable function in preserving human history, memory, and imagination. He believes that without books, history would disappear because they are the only medium capable of recording and transmitting the knowledge, dreams, and experiences of past generations. Borges argues that no modern invention can replace the book because it is the extension of human thought. While other tools extend physical abilities, books preserve the essence of human creativity and memory, making them vital to the survival of culture and knowledge