The Perfectionism on the Path of Life in “The Switchman” by Juan José Arreola.

Abstract

This article analyzes Juan José Arreola's short story "The Switchman," whose narrative seeks to ironically express the main character's difficulties with life's expectations and the path he chooses to take to reach his destination. The intention is to demonstrate how perfectionism exists in the infused protagonist; this is done by connecting the basic concepts (perfectionism and uncertainty) with the reactions toward the switchman due to the uncertainty generated throughout the conversation between the two characters, where he projects worry, anxiety, and anger at not knowing if he will achieve his goal of boarding the train and arriving at the stipulated destination, in addition to the methodical attitudes toward his trip and arrival times that causes him frustration.