The Waiting, Jorge Luis Borges: Summary & Analysis

‘The Waiting’ is a compelling short story penned by the celebrated Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) . Also known as ‘The Wait’, this tale delves into the life of an unnamed protagonist who seeks refuge in Buenos Aires to evade an enemy, the gangster Alejandro Villari. The narrative revolves around the protagonist's experiences as he waits for Villari to catch up with him. Like many of Borges' works, ‘The Waiting’ demands closer examination to fully grasp its intricacies and enigmatic qualities. Before delving into the analysis, here's a summary of the story’s plot. Plot Summary The story follows an anonymous man who seeks refuge in Buenos Aires to escape Alejandro Villari, a mobster determined to end his life. The man endeavors to sever ties with his past and remain inconspicuous, going to great lengths to avoid detection. He feels vexed with himself when he inadvertently pays the cab fare with a Uruguayan coin, drawing attention to his situation. Upon arriving…