Borges Stories
The Borges stories presented a new type of mystery and ways a mystery story could be presented. The stories can be counted as mysteries because they have unknowns and people trying to figure out what they are. The stories are largely successful in creating an aura of mystery through the use of suspense. Borges delays important details until the end, which give the stories a new meaning.
Though Poe's mysteries also had a reveal at the end, their nature was different in that the explanation was longer. Comparing the two authors is interesting because of this. Poe saves his explanation of exactly what happened until the end, and then presents the entire series of events. Borges presents the events in one light, and then reveals information at the end which changes the perception of the story.
This is best shown in his "The Form of the Sword." It is a frame story, where the narrator is asking an Englishman (who is actually an Irishman) how he acquired a scar. The man takes an opposite perspective as he shares the story, telling it from the point of view of the man he betrayed in order to ensure that the narrator hears him out. It is not until the end that he reveals his true role in the story: "'Don't you see the mark of infamy written on my face? I told you the story the way I did so that you would hear it to the end. I informed on the man who took me in: I am Vincent Moon. Despise me.'" He told the story from the role of the hero because he was ashamed of his own. It is shocking to learn the truth because it was so unexpected.
Not going to lie, I audibly gasped and my hand flew to my mouth out of pity for the character.
Though Poe's mysteries also had a reveal at the end, their nature was different in that the explanation was longer. Comparing the two authors is interesting because of this. Poe saves his explanation of exactly what happened until the end, and then presents the entire series of events. Borges presents the events in one light, and then reveals information at the end which changes the perception of the story.
This is best shown in his "The Form of the Sword." It is a frame story, where the narrator is asking an Englishman (who is actually an Irishman) how he acquired a scar. The man takes an opposite perspective as he shares the story, telling it from the point of view of the man he betrayed in order to ensure that the narrator hears him out. It is not until the end that he reveals his true role in the story: "'Don't you see the mark of infamy written on my face? I told you the story the way I did so that you would hear it to the end. I informed on the man who took me in: I am Vincent Moon. Despise me.'" He told the story from the role of the hero because he was ashamed of his own. It is shocking to learn the truth because it was so unexpected.
Not going to lie, I audibly gasped and my hand flew to my mouth out of pity for the character.
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