Through repeated strategic objectivity in Jaromir’s thoughts, Borges magnifies the shifts in his empathy that occur throughout the play; this makes the reader question whether the story with a very sympathetic character and humanly- painted antagonists is meant to show people as divisive or in fact, more universal.
The main character, Jaromir Hladik is a Jewish literary scholar placed in a precarious position. The story exists in a very set historical context: on March 15 1939, German troops invaded Prague. He does not seem to be a very empathetic character at the start however, especially when he judges other authors for their accomplishment but expects to be judged for what he wants to do. This contrasts the way he feels about the Nazi guards. He feels very sympathetic towards them, with his descriptions of the guard offering a cigarette, and that of they speaking in hushed tones as if he was already dead. He does not seem to have any animosity towards his killers, as if he does not blame them not expects or wants us to either as readers.…show more content… Regardless of historical context, the Nazis aren't really Jaromir's enemies in this story. The fact that Jaromir and the Nazi soldiers can get along and even act friendly toward each other makes the war seem completely pointless.
Borges explores the concept of the time-warp in various parts of the story; in the epigraph, Jaromir’s short story and before his death as well. What I found interesting is the inclusion of similar facets of different religions in this. He manages to explore similar concepts of subjectivity in smaller and smaller forms as
