Bunyad - A Journal of Urdu Studies, Lahore University of Management Sciences - Lahore

بنیاد (مجّلہ دراساتِ اردو)

Gurmani Centre for Languages and Literature
ISSN (print): 2225-6083
ISSN (online): 2709-9687

بورخیس کا فکشن: ’’مکانِ دیگر‘‘ اور ’’دہلیز‘‘ کےتصور کی روشنی میں

  • Shaista Hassan/
  • June 26, 2024
Exploring Heterotopia and Liminal Spaces in Borges’ Fiction
Keywords
Jorge Luis Borges, Fiction, , Heterotopia, Liminal Space, Dream, Text, Ruin.
Abstract

Jorge Luis Borges, a distinguished fiction writer of the twentieth century, originates from Argentina in Latin America. He introduced innovative techniques concerning form, style, and new thematic content in his prose. This paper aims to analyze Borges' fiction in the context of two spatial concepts: Heterotopia and Liminal Space. It has been observed that Borges’ work creates both physical or geographical and abstract or imaginary heterotopias, including houses, rooms, ruins, old buildings, palaces, libraries, museums, dreams, linguistic texts, and semi-mythical spaces. These alternative spaces subvert power narratives, effectively challenging the dominant worldview. Borges' fictional characters experience liminal spaces. These places represent a liberating, flexible, and ephemeral space in between. Instead of adhering to prevailing popular concepts and theories, the characters pause to reflect upon the threshold of free contemplation, actively seeking alternative perspectives to comprehend humanity, life, and the cosmos, ultimately freeing themselves from the chains of power narratives. The paper concludes that Borges utilizes both Heterotopias and Liminal Spaces in his fiction as a means of exploring reality.

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Author(s):

Shaista Hassan

Assistant Professor

Department of Urdu, Government College for Women, Gulberg Lahore, Lahore

Pakistan

  • shaistamehmud@gmail.com

Details:

Type: Article
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Language: Urdu
Id: 667c1c1b2ac79
Published June 26, 2024

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