Emma Zunz

In the short story, “Emma Zunz”, by Jorge Luis Borges, Emma’s living conditions and behaviour reflects that she lives as part of the proletariat society. She and her family would live in smaller areas because “she recalled the family’s little house in Lanus” (Borges, 215). Their surroundings and proximity suggests that they are of lower class citizens. Emma spends most of her time working in the mill. That being said, her regular day would be a “a day of work, bustle, and trivia” (Borges, 216). She has to make money in order to feed herself and to survive since her father has recently passed away. The food she eats is not very luxurious since “she made soup thickened with manioc flakes and some vegetables…” (Borges, 216). Emma’s options for
According to Borges, Loewenthal, who was declared a thief, was “formerly the manager of the mill and now one of it’s owners” (Borges, 216). Ultimately, Loewenthal has an important duty in society as he carries most of their wealth. People who had to describe Loewenthal would describe him as the man “in the eyes of all an upright man” (Borges, 218). Loewenthal is known to be very a generous man as he gives money to others. More importantly, Loewenthal’s living area conveys that he is affluent because he lives in a large courtyard above the mill (Borges, 218). He is known to live in prestigious environments making him a bourgeoisie that is why money is his “true passion”. In terms of Marxism, Aaron has higher status than Emma because he runs the mill and his workers look up to him. In comparison with Emma, Aaron works mostly in his office and manages the factory with making important decisions. Furthermore, his living conditions are also a lot more extravagant because he has a big dog and he lives in a courtyard (Borges, 218). Therefore, Aaron’s status shows that he is the one in charge of those working under