“El Sur” follows Juan Dahlmann’s journey from a sanatorium on the brink of death due to a head injury. He experiences eight days of intense suffering and pain before his transfer to the sanatorium. Inside, he feels imprisoned and faces the risk of sepsis. His doctor promises a recovery and return to his southern estate. The narrative highlights the impact of physical injury on mental health. Short story appropriate for a Latin American literature course for advanced students; focus on illness and healing brings a different lens to Borges that health-oriented students could appreciate. Available online for free.
Access
- Link: https://www.literatura.us/borges/elsur.html
Details
Language: Spanish
Setting (class level or workshop): Undergraduate and Graduate
Type of Story: Chapter
Medium: written
Contributed by: Carolina Duenas ( cduenas@uiowa.edu )