Emma Zunz by Borges: Marxist Approach Analysis

Marxists Analysis Essay of “Emma Zunz” by Borges

Explain why the Marxist approach works well for “Emma Zunz.”

Marxist approach views life in dialectic approach as all things happening in our day to day lives are two-sided. “Emma Zunz” is a story of irony that has ideas of that tends to be both on the side of justice and revenge, and of the right and wrong. Given that the story is that of the art of fiction, it portrays the true events in life as described by the Marxist approach.

The character Emma Zunz is seeking a path of revenge mentally and emotionally through various means including; a maze of lies, anger, and hurt, and murder to seek justice for the death of his father. The tale is, therefore, a tragedy of restricted choices that views life on two sides. While striving to complete her mission, Emma came across a man who acts as a tool for Emma. Emma served her for pleasure whereas the man served her for justice, proving the Marxist approach that everything has two sides.

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The Marxist approach has it that economic conflict produces various classes of people; the rich, middle, and the poor, and inherently class lead to conflict. For instance, in the tale of Emma Zunz, Emma is a lost child who has now become an avenging angel. She articulates her hatred of two systems of patriarchal oppression. The society is characterized by individuals who oppress the less privileged members in the system. The economic system in the story is that where male bosses exploit male and female workers while the social system is that whereby men exploit women such as the daughter of Manuel Maier.

Manuel Maier was forced to change his name from Emmanuel Zunz, a derivation of his past identity. The daughter goes ahead to inherit the shame to live in the shadow of Emmanuel’s alleged crime (Borges 216).

Describe how the Zunz family has been affected by the declining economic circumstances

The Zunz family happens to be significantly affected by the declining economic conditions that are marked by the death of Manuel Maier. Emma Zunz recalls the outings to some small town when their father was still alive. The declining economic situations seemingly separated the family as Emma tries to remember the whereabouts of her mother even as she weeps. The declining financial conditions also led to the selling of a family house at auction, alongside a disgrace to the family, following a court verdict (Borges 217).

What is Emma’s attitude to her work, both official and unofficial?

Emma’s reaction to her work is that of determination. She decides to inherit the shame of his father and lives in the shadow of his alleged crime. Being by herself, she is determined to execute her act of revenge through every possible mean. For instance, when she comes across some men, she chooses one who cannot draw from her an empathetic response but instead act as a tool for her. Emma is determined to serve him for purposes of pleasure so long as he serves her for justice. Emma’s determination and confidence ends up in the horrible murder of Loewenthal as a way of completing her mission for revenge (Borges 219).

Comment on the line “Tearing up money is an act of impiety, like throwing away bread; the minute she did it, Emma wished she hadn’t”

The act of tearing the money can be associated with tearing the money, which is also linked to throwing away the bread. Both the impieties and improprieties are committed within the context of a greater meaning. She tore the money and the letter informing her of the death of Manuel Zunz as an indication of her loss of innocence. She regrets having torn the money and after that she is filled with a feeling of sadness even as she dresses up. The sense of sadness after tearing the money could also mean being sad because of losing her innocence (Borges 218).

Why is Aaron Lowenhal considered “in the eyes of all an upright man”?

Aaron Lowenhal was viewed by all as an upright man since he decided to stay in the outskirts of the town where criminal activities are not frequent as compared to the town. Being vigilant on his security is an indication of his wish for a society that is not characterized by criminal activities. He has a big dog in his residence as a way of ensuring maximum security. Aaron Lowenhal is also said to have paid an excellent dowry for his late wife; a factor that adds him the credit of being upright.

Are Borges characters exclusively determined by money and its role in the society?

The characters in the tale happen to have the love of money. For instance, Aaron Loewenthal is said to have paid an excellent dowry for his late wife. The same character is noted to have a strong passion for money. Apparently, he knows the roles of money in the society as evident by the dowry he paid.

What, ultimately, gives Emma’s work meaning?

Emma’s work is given meaning when she manages to defend her work of murder as the story ends. Her tone of voice through the phone happens to be real, just as her hatred. The death of Aaron Loewanhal seals the story as a successful work of Emma.