Ficciones by Jorge Luis Borges | The Secret Miracle | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A Jewish writer awaits his execution during World War II but experiences a miraculous year in his mind before his death.

Key Insights

• 😀 The Secret Miracle explores themes of redemption, immortality, and the power of literature in the face of mortality.
• 🥰 Sadiq's conviction and love for literature drive him to seek a chance for redemption through his play, The Enemies.
• 🫥 The concept of time and its manipulation plays a central role in the narrative, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
• 🤨 The story raises questions about the nature of miracles and whether they truly occurred or were confined to Sadiq's mind.
• 😀 The tragic historical context of World War II adds depth to the story, reflecting the struggles faced by Jewish individuals during that time.
• 🥰 The Secret Miracle portrays the power of art and creativity, highlighting the significance of literature as a means of expression and escape.
• 😨 Sadiq's internal conflict between his desire to live and his fear of dying as a failed writer adds layers to his character and the overall narrative.

Transcript

in the secret miracle in artificers part 2 of fixie onus on march 19th 1939 in prague Jaromir Clinique is arrested by the nazis an ambitious but unproductive writer Sadiq has written but not finished a tragedy the enemies charged with crimes simply relating to being Jewish his execution is set for the morning of March 29th horrified Sadiq spends ni... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Sadiq feel about his intellectual and literary career?

Sadiq is dissatisfied with his previous works and believes his play, The Enemies, is his chance for redemption and a way to leave behind his unproductive past.

Q: What happens when the clock strikes seven in the play?

At a certain point, the clock strikes seven again, and the time of day does not progress. This repetition signifies a complex plot unfolding within the play.

Q: What does Sadiq dream about in jail?

Sadiq dreams of being in a library and searching for a book that symbolizes God. He hears a voice telling him that more time has been granted for his work.

Q: What happens during Sadiq's execution?

Just as the soldiers are about to shoot Sadiq, time freezes, and everything becomes motionless. Sadiq realizes that his wish has been granted, and he can think and finish his play in his mind before the bullets strike him.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jaromir Clinique, a Jewish writer, is arrested by the Nazis and awaits execution.

• During his time in jail, he imagines he is immortal and asks for one more year to finish his play.

• As his execution occurs, time stands still, granting him a brief moment to complete his literary masterpiece.