Colonialism In Jorge Luis Borges's 'El Sur'

Throughout much of the second World War, Argentina and Germany maintained a fairly civil relationship despite numerous bouts of tension. This amicable relationship was likely due to the vast amount of German immigrants present in Argentina; however, after increased pressure from the United States and the country’s concern regarding the rising popularity of pro-nazism primarily amongst its German residents, Argentina broke its ties with Germany and pledged its loyalty to the Allies. Argentinian writer, Jorge Luis Borges, had a ripe adoration of German literature, and this passion is what compelled him to attack the Nazi police state in various essays throughout World War II. This contrast between his love of German culture and his criticism of nazism, as well …show more content…
By accentuating the conflicting ancestral background that creates many woes for Juan Dahlmann, Borges stresses the repercussions of colonialism.
In order to highlight the negative effects of colonialism, Borges emphasizes the internal dissension Juan faces as a result of the antagonism between his familial background. Within the first two paragraphs of the narrative, the inner turmoil Dahlmann experiences becomes evident: “He was nauseous when he awoke in a cell that was like a dank pit… during those days Dahlmann hated every detail about himself; he hated his identity, his physical needs, his humiliation, the bristly beard on his face” (Borges 2). This physical cell Dahlmann inhabits during his treatment at the clinic is symbolic of the figurative cell that traps him because of society’s refusal to allow him to embrace both his Argentinian and Germanic heritage. Borges states that Dahlmann hated himself during this time, specifically his identity, arguably due to his inability to relish his entire self rather than just a single part. The self-hatred he feels is solely due to his uncertainty