Reflections on Existence

What does the protagonist-dreamer find out about his own existence at the end of the story?

The protagonist-dreamer realizes that he is also a dream, created by another dreamer. How does this revelation impact his understanding of reality and existence?

Answer:

In 'The Circular Ruins,' the dreamer discovers that he is also a dream, created by another dreamer, raising questions about reality and existence.

In Jorge Luis Borges' short story "The Circular Ruins," the protagonist is a dreamer who undergoes a profound realization about his own existence. Throughout the narrative, the protagonist dedicates himself to dreaming a man into reality. However, it is only towards the end of the story that he comprehends the true nature of his being.

The moment of revelation occurs when the protagonist encounters a fire that fails to consume him. This inexplicable event serves as a metaphorical mirror, reflecting back to him the illusory nature of his existence. The dreamer comes to the unsettling realization that he himself is merely a figment of another dreamer's imagination.

This discovery shakes the very foundation of the dreamer's understanding of reality and existence. It raises profound questions about the nature of creation, the boundaries of perception, and the essence of being. The dreamer's journey to create life culminates in the realization that he is, in fact, a creation himself.

Ultimately, "The Circular Ruins" explores themes of identity, illusion, and the interconnectedness of dreams and reality. The protagonist's revelation challenges readers to contemplate the nature of their own existence and the intricate layers of consciousness that shape our understanding of the world.