Jorge Borges: Short Stories
by Jorge Luis Borges
About_
This study guide explores a selection of short stories by Jorge Luis Borges, one of the twentieth century’s most
imaginative writers. It covers tales about invented worlds, endless libraries, dreamed men, and labyrinths of time
and fate. Each section helps students check their understanding of plot and characters and think more deeply
about the ideas behind the stories. This study guide contains 91 questions across 7 chapter sections (70 Factual +
21 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 7 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (70 total), 7 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (21 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 10-12
Teacher Note_
Borges can seem daunting, but these stories reward students who read closely and think boldly. This guide builds
comprehension step by step and then invites critical thinking about identity, time, and reality. We hope it saves
you preparation time and sparks lively discussion in your classroom.
Who Was Jorge Luis Borges?
Jorge Luis Borges (1899-1986) was an Argentine writer famous for short stories that blend philosophy, mathematics, and
fantasy. He worked as a librarian and later became director of Argentina’s National Library. His fascination with books, mirrors,
and infinity appears again and again in his work.
Stories Built Like Puzzles
Borges often writes in unusual forms, such as book reviews of books that do not exist, or accounts of imaginary worlds written
as though they were real encyclopedia entries. His stories are short, but they are packed with ideas about time, identity, and
what is real. Readers often need to think carefully, since many of his stories work like labyrinths.
Reading Borges for the First Time
These stories can feel strange at first, because Borges cares more about big ideas than about everyday characters or settings.
It helps to read slowly and notice how the details connect, and to ask what question each story is really exploring. Do not
worry if you do not find one right answer, since Borges enjoys leaving readers with more questions than he began with.