The Anthropologist

Name: The Anthropologist
Author: Jorge Luis Borges

This work is a philosophical novel that explores the concept of identity and reality through the story of an anthropologist who discovers that his own life is a fabrication created by another person. The narrative follows the anthropologist's journey as he tries to uncover the truth about his existence, only to find himself trapped in a never-ending cycle of self-discovery and deception. Throughout the novel, the lines between reality and fiction are blurred, raising questions about the nature of identity, free will, and the human condition.

By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1920 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism · 845 words

First lines

This story was told to me in Texas, but it took place in another of the Southwestern states. It has one character only, except for the fact that in any story there are thousands of characters, seen and unseen, living and dead. His name, I believe, was Fred Murdock. He was lanky, was neither light nor dark, had a hatchet face, and wasted few words. There was nothing out of the ordinary about him, not even that wish to be out of the ordinary common to most young men. Naturally respectful, he never questioned what he read or what his teachers told him. He was at that age when, not yet knowing who he is, a man is ready to go whichever way a chance wind blows- into Persian Sufism or the unknown beginnings of Hungarian, the adventures of war or of algebra, puritanism or the orgy. At the university, he was advised to take up the study of aboriginal languages. Among a few tribes of the Southwest, certain unexplained rites still survived; his adviser, a man getting along in years, suggested that he go live on a reservation, where he might be initiated into tribal ceremonies, and try to uncover the medicine man's secret. On his return, he would prepare a thesis that the university press would undertake to publish. Murdock jumped at the chance. One of his forebears had been killed by Indians in a frontier raid; this old family bloodshed was now a link. No doubt he foresaw the difficulties that were in store for him; he would have to do his best to get the red men to accept him as one of them.

What this Textopian page supports

The Anthropologist is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Adventure, Cultural Fiction
Length: 845 words
Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Philosophical Fiction — The story explores deep philosophical themes such as the nature of knowledge, the value of experience over information, and the ineffability of certain truths.
Literary Fiction — The narrative style and character development focus on introspection and the human condition, typical of literary fiction.
Magical Realism — The story incorporates elements of magical realism through the mystical experiences and the secret knowledge that transcends ordinary understanding.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey into the unknown, living with a tribe and undergoing a transformative experience.