Becoming Menard? Geopolitical Readings and the Authorial Subject in César Aira

This article discusses César Aira’s critical engagement with Jorge Luis Borges’s masterful short story ‘Pierre Menard, autor del Quijote’. While there are few overt references to within essayistic output, it will be shown that those do exist highly significant. Indeed, argued literary process — developed at length and in detail across his work is heavily indebted Menard’. Opening first a reflection on Evaristo Carriego, the explores ways which Aira relation Duchampian ready-made, uncovers its importance analysis of exotic literature, argues inverts Menard’s labour by shifting focus from act reading writing re-creation story. In this way, proposed advocates an a-personal nonetheless affirms central place for individual author, while simultaneously producing works geopolitical significance. Ultimately, provides inspiration conceptualization as temporal event, promotion formless marginality undermines colonial taxonomies.