'Browning Decides to Be a Poet' by Jorge Luis Borges
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In these red labyrinths of London
I find that I have chosen
the strangest of all callings,
save that, in its way, any calling is strange.
Like the alchemist
who sought the philosopher's stone
in quicksilver,
I shall make everyday words--
the gambler's marked cards, the common coin--
give off the magic that was their
when Thor was both the god and the din,
the thunderclap and the prayer.
In today's dialect
I shall say, in my fashion, eternal things:
I shall try to be worthy
of the great echo of Byron.
This dust that I am will be invulnerable.
If a woman shares my love
my verse will touch the tenth sphere of the concentric heavens;
if a woman turns my love aside
I will make of my sadness a music,
a full river to resound through time.
I shall live by forgetting myself.
I shall be the face I glimpse and forget,
I shall be Judas who takes on
the divine mission of being a betrayer,
I shall be Caliban in his bog,
I shall be a mercenary who dies
without fear and without faith,
I shall be Polycrates, who looks in awe
upon the seal returned by fate.
I will be the friend who hates me.
The persian will give me the nightingale, and Rome the sword.
Masks, agonies, resurrections
will weave and unweave my life,
and in time I shall be Robert Browning.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Borges' "Browning Decides to Be a Poet"
Jorge Luis Borges' "Browning Decides to Be a Poet" is a short story that explores the idea of artistic identity and the transformative power of literature. The story is essentially a fictionalized account of the famous English poet Robert Browning's decision to become a poet. Borges takes this historical event and uses it as a jumping-off point to explore the nature of artistic inspiration and the role of the artist in society.
The Story
The story begins with Browning reading a book that inspires him to become a poet. He has a sudden realization that he must dedicate his life to this pursuit, despite the fact that he has no prior experience or training in poetry. Browning begins to study the works of other poets, immersing himself in their words and ideas, eventually producing his own poems.
Borges' story is rich in symbolism and allusion, drawing on a range of historical and literary references. The book that inspires Browning is a collection of Persian poetry, which serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of literature. Browning's decision to become a poet is portrayed as a moment of epiphany, a sudden realization of his true calling. This is reminiscent of the Romantic idea of the poet as a prophet or visionary, someone who is able to tap into a deeper truth and communicate it through their art.
The Nature of Artistic Identity
One of the central themes of the story is the nature of artistic identity. Browning's decision to become a poet is not simply a matter of personal preference or taste. It is presented as a kind of destiny, something that he is compelled to do by forces beyond his control. This idea of the artist as a kind of conduit for creative inspiration is a common one in Romantic and modernist literature.
Borges also explores the idea that artistic identity is not fixed or static, but rather something that is constantly evolving and changing. Browning begins his journey as a poet with no prior experience or training, but through his immersion in the works of other poets, he is able to develop his own unique voice and style. This idea of the artist as a perpetual learner and explorer is an important one in modernist literature, where experimentation and innovation are prized above all else.
The Role of the Artist in Society
Borges' story also raises questions about the role of the artist in society. Browning's decision to become a poet is portrayed as a kind of rebellion against the established order. He rejects the conventional career paths of his time and instead chooses to pursue something that is seen as frivolous and impractical.
However, despite the challenges and obstacles he faces, Browning is ultimately able to find success as a poet, and his work is celebrated and admired by many. This raises the question of what role art and literature play in society, and whether they have the power to transform or challenge established norms and conventions.
Borges' Style
Borges' style in "Browning Decides to Be a Poet" is characteristically dense and complex. He draws on a range of literary and historical references, weaving them together in a way that is both erudite and playful. The story is full of allusions to Persian poetry, Greek mythology, and English literature, creating a kind of intertextual web that is both challenging and rewarding for the reader.
At the same time, Borges' prose is also highly imaginative and lyrical. He creates vivid and evocative descriptions of Browning's journey as a poet, capturing the transformative power of literature and the awe-inspiring nature of artistic inspiration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Borges' "Browning Decides to Be a Poet" is a rich and complex exploration of the nature of artistic identity and the transformative power of literature. Through his portrayal of Browning's journey as a poet, Borges raises important questions about the role of the artist in society and the potential of art to challenge and transform established norms and conventions. His style is characteristically dense and complex, weaving together a range of literary and historical references in a way that is both erudite and imaginative. Ultimately, Borges' story leaves the reader with a sense of the power and wonder of literature, and the infinite possibilities of artistic expression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Jorge Luis Borges' "Poetry Browning Decides to Be a Poet" is a fascinating exploration of the creative process and the role of the poet in society. In this short story, Borges presents us with a character who is struggling to find his place in the world, and who ultimately discovers his true calling as a poet.
The story begins with the protagonist, Browning, feeling lost and aimless. He is a man who has tried his hand at many different professions, but has never found true fulfillment in any of them. He is searching for something more, something that will give his life meaning and purpose.
It is at this point that Browning decides to become a poet. He is inspired by the works of the great poets of the past, and he feels that he too has something important to say. He begins to write, pouring his heart and soul into his poetry.
However, Browning soon discovers that being a poet is not as easy as he thought it would be. He struggles to find the right words, and he is constantly plagued by self-doubt. He begins to question whether he has what it takes to be a great poet.
Despite these challenges, Browning perseveres. He continues to write, and he begins to share his work with others. He finds that his poetry resonates with people, and he begins to gain a following.
As Browning's fame grows, he becomes more and more confident in his abilities as a poet. He begins to see himself as a voice for the people, someone who can use his words to inspire and uplift others.
However, Browning's success also brings with it a new set of challenges. He becomes increasingly aware of the power that his words have, and he begins to feel a sense of responsibility for the impact that his poetry has on others.
In the end, Browning comes to realize that being a poet is not just about writing beautiful words. It is about using those words to make a difference in the world. He understands that his poetry has the power to change lives, and he is determined to use that power for good.
Borges' "Poetry Browning Decides to Be a Poet" is a powerful reminder of the importance of art and creativity in our lives. It shows us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that we all have the ability to make a difference in the world.
The story also highlights the challenges that artists face in their quest to create something meaningful. It reminds us that the creative process is not always easy, and that it requires a great deal of hard work and dedication.
Overall, "Poetry Browning Decides to Be a Poet" is a beautiful and inspiring story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. It is a testament to the power of art and the human spirit, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and literature.
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