Question

Borges called his blindness "ironic." Explain what he means.

Answer 1

Luis Borges (1899 to 1986) was an Argentinean writer, translator, poet, librarian etc. At the age of 55 he lost his eyesight and became blind completely. In 1955, he was offered the appointment of Professor of English literature and the directorship of National Public library at the University of Buenos Aires. That is the reason for which he calls his blindness ironic as he takes it to be “such a splendid irony” for being granted the “books and nights at one touch.” His association with books and his blindness were concurrent and therefore ironic.