The Remora by Jorge Luis Borges
This work is a philosophical and metaphysical exploration of the nature of reality, identity, and time. It presents a complex narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and nonfiction, reality and illusion. The story revolves around a mysterious figure known as the Remora, who is said to have the ability to manipulate time and space. The narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, with multiple timelines and realities intersecting and colliding. The protagonist's identity is constantly shifting, raising questions about the nature of self and reality. Throughout the work, themes of existentialism, nihilism, and the absurd are explored, challenging the reader to question their understanding of the world and their place in it.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1929 · Genre: Mythology, Natural History, Historical · 449 words
First lines
Remora, in Latin, means ‘delay' or ‘hindrance'. This is the strict meaning of the word which was figuratively applied to the Echeneis, a genus of sucking fishes credited with the power of holding a ship fast by clinging to it. The Remora is a fish of an ashen hue; on the top of its head it has a cartilaginous disc with which it creates a vacuum that enables it to cling to other underwater creatures. Here is Pliny's acclamation of its powers (IX, 41):
What this Textopian page supports
The Remora is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1929 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: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Natural History, Historical, Philosophical, Literary Criticism
- Length: 449 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Remora by Jorge Luis Borges
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Remora?
- How does this short story by Jorge Luis Borges fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mythology first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Mythology — The text explores the mythical attributes and historical anecdotes associated with the Remora, a fish believed to have supernatural powers.
- Natural History — The narrative includes detailed descriptions of the Remora's physical characteristics and its supposed effects on ships, drawing from historical sources like Pliny.
- Historical — The work references historical events and figures, such as the Battle of Actium and Caligula, to illustrate the Remora's legendary influence.
- Philosophical — The text reflects on themes of power and influence, using the Remora as a metaphor for how small forces can have significant impacts.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Literary Experimentation · Metafiction · Existentialism · Absurdism · Paradox · Self-Reference · Linguistic Playfulness · Narrative Complexity · Postmodernism · Symbolism · Mythology