Avelino Arredondo
The story revolves around a man who is obsessed with the idea of being a character in a novel. He believes that his life is predetermined and that he is merely a pawn in someone else's narrative. The protagonist's obsession leads him to seek out the author, hoping to gain insight into his own existence and purpose. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the protagonist's reality is not what it seems. His world is a complex web of narratives, with multiple layers and interpretations. He begins to question the nature of reality and the role he plays in it. The novel explores themes of identity, free will, and the power of storytelling. It challenges the reader to consider the idea that our lives may be nothing more than a series of events predetermined by some higher authority. Ultimately, the protagonist's search for meaning leads him down a path of self-discovery and introspection. He comes to realize that his existence is not fixed or predetermined, but rather a dynamic and ever-changing narrative that he can shape and influence through his own choices and actions.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1949 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Political Fiction · 2,228 words
First lines
The event took place in Montevideo in 1897.
What this Textopian page supports
Avelino Arredondo is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1949 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Jorge Luis Borges
- Date: 1949 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Political Fiction, Literary Fiction, Crime Fiction
- Length: 2,228 words
- Structure: 1 section, 21 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Avelino Arredondo by Jorge Luis Borges
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Avelino Arredondo?
- How does this short story by Jorge Luis Borges fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in Montevideo in 1897 and revolves around real historical events, including the assassination of President Juan Idiarte Borda.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the protagonist's internal thoughts, motivations, and psychological state as he prepares for the assassination.
- Political Fiction — The plot is centered around political themes, including the protagonist's political affiliations and the political climate of Uruguay at the time.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style and thematic depth, including existential reflections and character study, align with literary fiction.
Tags
Short Story · Philosophical Fiction · Literary Experimentation · Existentialism · Absurdism · Fictional Biography · Historical Fiction · Spanish Literature · 20th Century Literature · Magical Realism · Metafiction · Self-Referential