'Instants' by Jorge Luis Borges
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If I could live again my life,
In the next - I'll try,
- to make more mistakes,
I won't try to be so perfect,
I'll be more relaxed,
I'll be more full - than I am now,
In fact, I'll take fewer things seriously,
I'll be less hygenic,
I'll take more risks,
I'll take more trips,
I'll watch more sunsets,
I'll climb more mountains,
I'll swim more rivers,
I'll go to more places - I've never been,
I'll eat more ice creams and less (lime) beans,
I'll have more real problems - and less imaginary
ones,
I was one of those people who live
prudent and prolific lives -
each minute of his life,
Offcourse that I had moments of joy - but,
if I could go back I'll try to have only good moments,
If you don't know - thats what life is made of,
Don't lose the now!
I was one of those who never goes anywhere
without a thermometer,
without a hot-water bottle,
and without an umberella and without a parachute,
If I could live again - I will travel light,
If I could live again - I'll try to work bare feet
at the beginning of spring till
the end of autumn,
I'll ride more carts,
I'll watch more sunrises and play with more children,
If I have the life to live - but now I am 85,
- and I know that I am dying ...
Editor 1 Interpretation
Instants by Jorge Luis Borges: A Literary Critique and Interpretation
What do you think happens to time, that elusive concept that we use to measure everything in our lives, when we are experiencing a moment of pure joy, pain, or transcendence? Does time stop or does it fly by so fast that we cannot grasp it? In his poem "Instants," Jorge Luis Borges explores this idea and invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of our existence and the power of memory to preserve those moments that define us.
Background and Context
Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) was an Argentine writer and poet who is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century. He was a master of the short story, the essay, and the poem, and his works have inspired and influenced countless writers, thinkers, and artists around the world.
"Instants" is a short poem that was first published in 1964 in Borges's collection "El Hacedor" (The Maker). It consists of only eight lines, but its impact and meaning are profound and universal. The poem has been translated into many languages and has become one of Borges's most famous and beloved works.
Poem Analysis
The poem "Instants" is composed of two stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first stanza begins with a conditional clause ("If I could live again my life") and presents a hypothetical scenario in which the speaker imagines reliving his life. However, instead of focusing on the grand events and achievements that he could change or improve, the speaker highlights the small and mundane moments that he cherishes the most:
If I could live again my life,
In the next - I'll try,
- to make more mistakes,
I won't try to be so perfect, I'll be more relaxed.
The speaker acknowledges that he has made mistakes in his life, but he does not regret them. On the contrary, he wishes he had made more mistakes and had been more relaxed and spontaneous. This attitude is a testament to Borges's philosophy of life, which emphasizes the importance of embracing the present moment and accepting the impermanence and unpredictability of existence.
The second stanza of the poem reinforces this idea and adds a new dimension to it. The stanza begins with the phrase "I'll be less serious," which suggests that the speaker is aware of the gravity and solemnity of life and wants to lighten up and enjoy it more. The next line is the most famous and memorable of the poem:
I'll try to be less hurried,
I'll try to be more kind.
This line encapsulates the essence of the poem and its message. The speaker recognizes that time is a precious and finite resource that should be used wisely and purposefully. He wants to slow down and savor the moments that matter and to be more compassionate and empathetic towards others. This sentiment is echoed in the final two lines of the poem:
I'll not be so impatient,
I'll not be so blind.
The speaker acknowledges his flaws and limitations and vows to overcome them by being more patient and observant. This resolution is a testament to Borges's humanism and his belief in the power of self-reflection and self-improvement.
Interpretation and Meaning
The poem "Instants" is a meditation on the nature of time, memory, and human experience. It invites us to reflect on the moments that define us and the impact they have on our lives. The poem suggests that life is not a linear progression towards an ultimate goal or destination, but a collection of instants that shape our identity and consciousness.
The first stanza of the poem emphasizes the importance of embracing our mistakes and imperfections and not trying to be perfect or flawless. This attitude is a rejection of the conventional wisdom that success and happiness are achieved through discipline, hard work, and sacrifice. Instead, the speaker suggests that happiness and fulfillment come from living authentically and spontaneously, without fear of failure or judgment.
The second stanza of the poem adds another layer of meaning to this philosophy. The speaker acknowledges that life is short and that time is a precious and finite resource that should be used wisely and purposefully. He wants to slow down and savor the moments that matter and to be more compassionate and empathetic towards others. This sentiment is a call to action, an invitation to live mindfully and respectfully, and to recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all beings.
The poem "Instants" is also a reflection on the power of memory to preserve and shape our identity. The speaker imagines reliving his life, not to change it or correct it, but to relive the moments that he cherishes the most. These moments are not the grand events or achievements that society values, but the small and mundane experiences that define our relationships, emotions, and thoughts. The poem suggests that memory is not a passive recording of the past, but an active and creative process that shapes our perception of ourselves and the world.
Conclusion
The poem "Instants" by Jorge Luis Borges is a testament to the power of poetry to capture and express complex ideas and emotions in a concise and memorable way. The poem invites us to reflect on the fleeting nature of our existence and the value of embracing our imperfections and living mindfully and compassionately. The poem is a celebration of life and its instants, and a reminder that every moment counts and every moment is precious.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Instants: A Poem That Captures the Essence of Life
Jorge Luis Borges, the Argentine writer, poet, and philosopher, is known for his profound and thought-provoking works. His poem, Instants, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life in just a few lines. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a powerful statement that sets the tone for the rest of the work: "If I could live my life again." This line immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what the speaker would do differently if given the chance. The poem then goes on to list a series of experiences that the speaker would like to relive, such as "the first time I heard the voice of love" and "the moment I knew what fear was."
These experiences are not just random events but are significant moments in the speaker's life that have shaped who they are. The poem suggests that life is made up of these instants, and it is these instants that give life its meaning. The speaker longs to relive these moments because they are what make life worth living.
The poem's structure is simple but effective. It consists of a series of short, declarative sentences that are separated by commas. This creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is trying to capture these instants before they slip away. The poem is also written in the second person, which makes the reader feel as if they are being addressed directly. This creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the speaker.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. The speaker describes the instants using vivid and evocative language that appeals to the senses. For example, they describe the moment of love as "the trembling of a branch against the sky" and the moment of fear as "the sound of footsteps in the night." These images are not only beautiful but also help to convey the emotions that the speaker is feeling.
The poem also uses repetition to great effect. The phrase "if I could live my life again" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's desire to relive these moments. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, making the poem feel almost like a song.
Another literary device used in the poem is irony. The speaker longs to relive these moments, but they know that it is impossible. They are aware that life is fleeting and that these instants can never be recaptured. This creates a sense of melancholy and nostalgia that runs throughout the poem.
The poem's themes are universal and timeless. It speaks to the human experience of longing for something that can never be regained. It reminds us that life is made up of moments, and it is these moments that give life its meaning. The poem also suggests that we should cherish these instants while we have them, for they are what make life worth living.
In conclusion, Instants is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of life in just a few lines. Its use of imagery, repetition, and irony creates a sense of urgency and immediacy that draws the reader in. The poem's themes are universal and timeless, reminding us to cherish the moments that make life worth living. Borges' poem is a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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