Literature in the Age of Simulation: Jorge Luis Borges' Literature from a Structuralist Perspective
Central Philosophy and Literary Theory
Though the practice became more prominent during the late 20th century amidst Postmodern philosophy, thinkers have been using literature to explore metaphysical questions since before the times of Ancient Greece. Examining Borges’ works, the writings of Plato, Roland Barthes, Gerard Genette, and Jean Baudrillard are particularly relevant for the insight they offer into Structuralism and society’s connection with Reality.
As a foundational philosopher, Plato’s thinking would go on to influence generations of further thinkers and artists, and Plato’s influence can be seen in Borges’ works. Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” offers valuable insight into both “Pierre Menard…” and “Tlon Uqbar…”. As one of the first semiotic texts, Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” breaks down how society comes to terms with reality, exploring the effects that reliance on symbols has on individuals in groups. Furthermore, as Plato considers the altered perspective individuals experience after leaving the cave to see reality, this foreshadows notions future thinkers would have when examining how society makes meaning with reality.
Advancing forward to the twentieth century, Roland Barthes is another crucial philosopher to understand when examining how Borges uses his works to explore language and reality. Expanding off the ideas of Claude Levi-Strauss and Ferdinand de Saussure, Barthes would become known for his insight into the mythologies that structure everyday thinking. This would culminate in his publication of Mythologies in 1957. Being composed primarily of essays exploring trends in modern society, Mythologies concludes with an examination of the semiotic structures that inform thinking about literature.
Building from the ideas of Barthes and Levi-Strauss, Gerard Genette expanded these notions when exploring the methods in which literary works connect to larger questions of Semiotics. Formalizing the notions of Transtextuality, or the “textual transcendence of the text,” in his work Palimpsests, Genette addresses five core divisions that make up this construct. Genette’s notions would be core to the development of the field of Narratology, which offers scholars a medium to explore the manner in which stories are told [improve definition of Narratology].
"Pierre Menard..." as Hypertext
Considering Borges’ writing, “Pierre Menard…” serves as an ideal example to illustrate the Genette’s concept of Transtextuality. When examining this work, the Borges’ metatextual commentary, the utilization of Don Quixote, and fundamental questions it poses offer insight how literature can offer insight into reality and truth. Furthermore, it emphasizes the assertions made by Genette addressing the applications of Transtextuality in literature.
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"Tlon Uqbar..." as Simulacrum
Considering Borges’ writing, “Tlon Uqbar…” serves as an ideal example of the concept of Simulacrum as addressed by Baudrillard. When examining this work, the Borges’ use of Simulacrum, Hyperreality, and the fundamental questions it poses offer insight how authors explore how society makes meaning with reality.
Throughout “Tlon Uqbar…”, Borges explores the narrow line between what is fabricated and what is real. As the narrator of the story’s curiosity drives him to uncover information about the mysterious, secret society: “Orbis Tertius”. Through learning more about the philosophy and linguistic structure of the fictional [name of world], the narrator reflects on the [effect on real world]. This coincides with Baudrillard’s notions throughout Simulations and Simulacra.
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Conclusions
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- Borges' Fictions Adelmar Ramirez
