The Form of the Sword is a short story written by Jorge Luis Borges. Released in 1942, it is the tenth story in Borges' collection Ficciones and tells of a veteran of Ireland's independence.
Characters[]
- Jorge Luis Borges
- John Vincent Moon
- The Irishman
Plot[]
While taking a trip through the Northern provinces, Borges is forced to visit a town known as La Colorada due to a flash flood. This town is home to an "Englishman" who Borges visits. Borges tries to speak with the "Englishman" about his home country, but the man reveals that he is Irish. Despite this, the two become friendly and drink together. While drinking, Borges asks how his new friend got a crescent-shaped scar on his face. The Irishman agrees to tell the story.
Several years ago, in 1922, the Irishman fought in the war between his homeland and England. While they were staying in Connaught, a man named John Vincent Moon joined the band of rebels. A native of Munster, Moon was extremely boastful of his intellectual skill but was also extremely cowardly. During a battle, Moon froze and had to be rescued by the Irishman. During their escape, Moon suffered a superficial wound to his shoulder. The two escaped to an abandoned house belonging to a general. Nine days into their stay, the Irishman left to avenge his comrades while Moon stayed behind. On returning, the Irishman found his cowardly "comrade" trying to sell him out. Enraged, the Irishman chased the Judas throughout the house and scarred his face before being arrested.
Borges asks the Irishman what happened to his cowardly comrade. He tells Borges that he is only telling him the story as he is a complete stranger and reveals that Moon fled with his "Judas money" while the Irishman was presumably executed by firing squad. "The Irishman" then stops his story while sobbing and reveals that he is Moon. He asks Borges to despise him, for he betrayed the man who protected him.
Sources[]
- Wikipedia