"You Must Know Everything" by Isaac Babel Analysis

When looking upon the work of a young writer there is a certain "feel" that is naturally attributed by knowledge of the authors age. Once a writer reaches a certain age, he can still write about childhood and it can still feel natural. But its impossible to really gain the perspective of a young writer, who has just become old enough to reflect upon himself, and his past; once you reach the age where Childhood becomes more of just a far off memory. The benefit that Isaac Babel had at the time of writing this story, is that these memories of a grandmother and her sad aspirations for her grandson to "know everything" are not some long lost memory. This is a recent event, being reflected upon immediately post-childhood. This story in its emotion, construction, and insight on the mind of a child, and the awkwardness we sometimes feel from our elders has helped me to realize the advantage a young writer has while all of these events are so close in his memory or even unfolding upon him currently. Everyone injects a bit of themselves into their writing, best to do it while you are at your peak.

Analysis of "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges

When reading "The Gospel According to Mark" by Jorge Luis Borges the bible references are easily detected with allusions to "the great flood" and how the family begins to worship Espinoza (sp?) according to his teachings. But its how far Jorge takes it, to an ultimately completely unexpected level culminating in an implied crucifixion; this is where the real social commentary comes into play. We the reader sit here and notice the obvious allusions to the bible, but it is not until the end, where it is too late, that we find out how dangerous it all ends up being. It is almost like a kind of scary warning for society. We sit here aware of how many people just blindly follow whoever is in charge,in yet will it be too late before we realize how dangerous the situation is? It is very relevant in todays society where Christianity and the US government have seemingly mixed, the dangerous blind followers increase in numbers everyday, it could all culminate into a consequence more dangerous than any of us would expect.