The Story of a Coward
I thought the reveal at the end was actually pretty cool, since there were hints throughout that "The Englishman" was the same as the man he was describing. The one that really caught my eye was when he said Moon fled to Brazil, since that's where the Englishman had come from before coming to Argentina. It's also really interesting that Borges would end the story with Moon saying "Despise me." If he is so ashamed of what he did, why would he give such a detailed story?
This being said, the piece was action-packed, but not super interesting until the end. For most of it, I was thinking why is this guy recounting talking to someone who gave a really detailed story about how he got a scar? Who really cared? Like I said, the big reveal at the end was unexpected, but although the story was very exciting, I didn't find it super interesting.
This being said, the piece was action-packed, but not super interesting until the end. For most of it, I was thinking why is this guy recounting talking to someone who gave a really detailed story about how he got a scar? Who really cared? Like I said, the big reveal at the end was unexpected, but although the story was very exciting, I didn't find it super interesting.
I personally think that Moon tells the story in such details as a way of self-punishment. Obviously he had been living with guilt and agony for the rest of his life by having "scant dealings with anyone" (117). While Moon considers his cowardice is beyond redemption, by revealing his identity till the end, he still wishes that the listener (Borges) to know that he does feel ashamed and that he is willing to take any criticism.
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