protokollapinot

Protokollapinot is a short story by the Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges. It is classified as a fantasy story and was first published in 1940.

The story revolves around a minor clerical error that has far-reaching consequences. A uniformed police officer, who bears the name " Ramirez" both as his surname and his first name, is reported missing. When Officer Ramirez reports for his missing persons case, he is met with surprise, as he himself has been listed as missing for several years.

As the officer delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that a clerical mistake has caused a series of events that have been unfolding without his knowledge. The story explores the idea of the tangential and the effect of chance occurrences on our lives.

Protokollapinot is notable for its use of language, maintaining a tone of irony, and absurd humor throughout the story. Borges employs the effect of distance over space, questioning societal structures and the legitimacy of documentation. This short story exemplifies Borges's preferred philosophical and ambiguous style, encouraging readers to reflect on the nature of reality and the self's influence on the world around it.

The story has been translated into various languages and remains an important part of Borges's fictional work. It is an example of his exploration into the realms of metaphysics, the human memory, and the failure of knowledge in causal order, solidifying his claim in the realm of philosophical fiction.