Self-figuration in El hombre de la esquina rosada by Jorge Luis Borges.

Abstract

This work will analyze the short story Hombre de la esquina rosada by Argentine writer Jorge
Luis Borges, in order to establish a relationship between the textual image created by Borges
and the concept of Self-Figuration proposed by critic José Amícola (who builds upon the
work of critic Sylvia Molloy). In order to further this analysis a brief historical review will be
made, particularly focused on the appearance of Autobiography as a genre in the Eighteenth
Century and its later consolidation in both Europe and Argentina during the Nineteenth

Century. This historical relationship will be used to help analyze the concept of Self-
Figuration in the specific case of Borges. Subsequently, this analysis will consider Borges'

relationship with cutlers' stories, the relationship of these stories with larger literary
tradition and, finally, the Argentine author's Self-Figuration in the tale "Man on the Pink
Corner." Commentary from theorist Jesus Davila will also be used to analyze significant
features of Borges' cutler's stories and identify elements of said stories which could
contribute to Borges' Self-Figuration.