Poem Analysis - That One

A Catalogue of a Life: Introduction

Borges' "That One" is a poignant meditation on the ordinary, the accumulation of experiences, and the ultimately universal nature of human existence, even within the confines of a seemingly insignificant life. The poem adopts a tone of melancholic reflection, bordering on resignation, as it lists the various elements that constitute the being of a "minor poet." While the mood remains consistently introspective, there's a subtle shift from detached observation to a more intimate connection with the subject, particularly towards the poem's conclusion when it acknowledges the act of writing the poem itself.

The Weight of the Particular: Theme of Insignificance

A central theme is the perceived insignificance of an individual life. The poem explicitly refers to the subject as a "minor poet," whose biography requires effort to "put out of mind." This initial framing suggests a life deemed unworthy of prolonged attention. The accumulation of negative attributes—blindness, old age, the lack of offspring—further reinforces this sense of inconsequence. However, Borges cleverly undermines this notion by imbuing these very details with a certain beauty and humanity. The poem suggests that even a "minor" existence is composed of rich experiences and complex emotions, rendering it inherently valuable.

Tasting Time: Theme of Mortality

The theme of mortality is woven throughout the poem, appearing both directly and subtly. Old age is explicitly mentioned as "the dawn of death," a stark reminder of the inevitable. But mortality also reveals itself in the recurring images of decay and loss: the "loss of memory of names and dates," the "old hourglass," and the "incurable nostalgia for the Latin," suggesting a longing for a past that is forever receding. These elements underscore the transient nature of human existence and the bittersweet acceptance of time's passage.

East Meets West: Theme of Cultural Identity and Isolation

The poem hints at a complex exploration of cultural identity and isolation. The poet's "cult of the East, which the varied peoples / of the teeming East do not themselves share" suggests a disconnect, an appropriation of a culture not truly understood or reciprocated. This isolation is further emphasized by the poet's experiences in Edinburgh and Geneva, contrasted with his final settling place in Buenos Aires. These geographic references, along with the "iron of Anglo-Saxon syllables," reveal a life caught between different worlds, never fully belonging to any one.

A World in a Moment: Symbols and Vivid Images

Several symbols enrich the poem's meaning. The "moon" serves as a recurring image, always "catching us by surprise," symbolizing the unexpected moments of beauty or revelation that punctuate even the most ordinary lives. "Blindness," representing both physical and metaphorical limitations, might also signify a deeper insight, a heightened sensitivity to the world beyond the visual. The closing images, such as "the subtle flavor of water, the taste of grapes," elevate simple pleasures to moments of profound appreciation, highlighting the importance of savoring the small joys of life amidst the larger questions of existence. Is the emphasis on cataloging seemingly mundane parts of life a way of suggesting that there are no minor lives and poets, only minor observations?

Reflections in Verse: Conclusion

In conclusion, "That One" is a powerful testament to the beauty and complexity inherent in even the most seemingly unremarkable life. Through its melancholic tone, evocative imagery, and exploration of themes like insignificance, mortality, and cultural identity, the poem challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of value and significance. Borges suggests that true meaning lies not in grand achievements or widespread fame, but in the accumulation of experiences, the appreciation of simple pleasures, and the acceptance of our shared human condition, all of which are reflected and made beautiful through the act of poetic creation itself.