The Chinese Fox by Jorge Luis Borges
This work is a short story that explores the concept of identity and reality through the tale of a man who discovers he has been replaced by a duplicate. The narrative delves into themes of duality, self-discovery, and the blurring of lines between truth and illusion.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1942 · Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Humor · 557 words
First lines
In everyday zoology the Chinese Fox differs little from other Foxes, but not so in fantastic zoology. Statistics give it a lifespan that varies between eight hundred and a thousand years. The animal is considered a bad omen, and each part of its anatomy enjoys some special power. It has only to strike the ground with its tail to start a fire; it can see into the future; and it can change into many forms, preferably into old men, young ladies, and scholars. It is astute, wary, and sceptical; its pleasures lie in playing pranks and in causing torment. Men, when they die, may transmigrate with the body of a Fox. Its dwelling is close by graves. There are thousands of stories and legends concerning it; we transcribe one, a tale by the ninth-century poet Niu Chiao, which is not without its humorous side:
What this Textopian page supports
The Chinese Fox is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1942 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: 1942 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Folklore, Humor, Mystery, Supernatural
- Length: 557 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Chinese Fox by Jorge Luis Borges
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fantasy — The story features fantastical elements such as a fox with supernatural abilities, shape-shifting, and a lifespan of hundreds of years.
- Folklore — The narrative is rooted in traditional tales and legends about the Chinese Fox, a creature with mythological significance.
- Humor — The story includes humorous elements, particularly in the interactions between humans and the foxes, and the playful nature of the foxes.
- Mystery — The plot involves mysterious events and the enigmatic nature of the foxes' intentions and the indecipherable writing.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Mystery · Fable · Paradox · Metaphysics · Symbolism · Allegory · Mythology · Fantasy · Realism · Absurdism · Existentialism