The Book Of Sand by Jorge Luis Borges.
Focus on the protagonist in your story.
Provide an example of direct characterization from the text.
This should be a direct quote.
Include an explanation of what the quote tells us about the character.
In "The Book of Sand" by Jorge Luis Borges, the protagonist is an unnamed narrator who becomes obsessed with an infinite book known as the Book of Sand. The narrator describes himself as a retired librarian who spends his days organizing his books and occasionally entertaining visitors.
One example of direct characterization in the text is when the narrator says, "I am walking along the Rue Montevideo. I am carrying the Gide edition of Les nourritures terrestres, and savoring its merciless music." This quote tells us that the protagonist is a well-read and knowledgeable individual. His choice of reading material, André Gide's Les nourritures terrestres, suggests that he is interested in thought-provoking literature and enjoys exploring complex ideas. The mention of him savoring the book's "merciless music" also hints at his appreciation for the beauty of language and his ability to immerse himself in the world of words.
This direct characterization helps establish the protagonist as an intellectual and curious person, which further reinforces his fascination with the extraordinary Book of Sand later on in the story.