Espumante en el sótano Julio Ramón Ribeyro

Summary

The transcript follows Aníbal Hernández, a dedicated employee of the Ministry of Education, as he celebrates his 25th anniversary of service. Despite the mundane nature of his work in the photocopying department, Aníbal creates a small celebration with colleagues, complete with champagne and stories. Throughout the day, he reflects on his years of service, the relationships with his superiors, and the passage of time. His pride in his work contrasts with the lack of recognition from higher-ups, and the story concludes with him cleaning up the mess in the office, underscoring his humble commitment and enduring loyalty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Aníbal Hernández celebrates 25 years of service at the Ministry of Education, marking a significant milestone in his career.
• 😀 The office environment is described as chaotic, with employees gossiping, joking, and focusing on mundane tasks while preparing for a small celebration.
• 😀 Aníbal is highly nostalgic about his long tenure, recalling his initial days at the ministry when it was still in an old building.
• 😀 He is presented as a hardworking, loyal employee who values his job and has a deep connection with his colleagues despite their lack of formality.
• 😀 The story highlights Aníbal's humble demeanor, as he humbly celebrates his anniversary with a small gathering in the basement, serving champagne and empanadas.
• 😀 There is a sense of camaraderie among the employees, but their interactions are marked by humor and a lack of professionalism.
• 😀 Aníbal's colleagues, such as Pinilla and Rojas, joke about his aging, while Aníbal brushes off their comments with self-deprecating humor.
• 😀 The narrative emphasizes the long-standing relationships between colleagues, particularly Aníbal’s bond with his former co-worker, Paul Escobedo, who has since become a director.
• 😀 The story illustrates the bureaucratic and somewhat backward culture of the ministry, where employees struggle with a lack of resources and outdated practices.
• 😀 Despite Aníbal's attempts to create a meaningful moment with a heartfelt toast, the celebration is marred by the fleeting attention and lack of interest from his superiors, like Gómez and Escobedo.

Q & A

What is the significance of Aníbal Hernández's 25th anniversary at the Ministry of Education?

Aníbal Hernández's 25th anniversary at the Ministry of Education represents a milestone in his career, symbolizing his long service and dedication. His celebration of this occasion with colleagues and supervisors highlights his sense of pride in his work, even as he reflects on his humble role in the ministry.

How does Aníbal's attitude towards his work reflect his character?

Aníbal's attitude towards his work is marked by humility, pride, and a deep sense of duty. Despite working in a seemingly insignificant position in the basement, he takes great pride in his service, consistently valuing his contributions and emphasizing his commitment to his country and profession.

What role does Aníbal's relationship with his colleagues play in the story?

Aníbal's relationship with his colleagues is characterized by camaraderie, teasing, and mutual respect. His interactions, especially with Pinilla, Calmet, and Rojas, reflect a workplace environment where humor and familiarity are central. His colleagues are both supportive and critical, adding layers to Aníbal’s character through their reactions.

How does the setting of the Ministry of Education influence the tone of the story?

The Ministry of Education, with its bureaucratic environment and its dark, dreary basement, sets a tone of monotony and insignificance. The contrast between the high-rise office floors and the basement where Aníbal works emphasizes his lowly position, which he nonetheless embraces with pride and resilience.

What does Aníbal's celebration reveal about his view of authority and tradition?

Aníbal's celebration of his 25 years at the ministry reveals a deep respect for tradition and authority, as he invites supervisors like Gómez and Escobedo to join him in celebrating his milestone. His constant references to the past, such as recalling his father's advice, suggest that he values stability and the security his position provides.

Why does Aníbal repeatedly mention his 25 years of service?

Aníbal repeatedly mentions his 25 years of service to emphasize the significance of his career, not just for himself but as a way to highlight his perseverance and loyalty to the Ministry. This repetition underscores his desire to be recognized and honored for his long tenure.

How does Aníbal’s relationship with Gómez and Escobedo evolve during the story?

Aníbal's relationship with Gómez and Escobedo evolves from initial formality to a more relaxed camaraderie. While Gómez and Escobedo initially appear somewhat distant, Aníbal's insistence on celebrating with them and his personal stories gradually lead to a more cordial atmosphere, reflecting his deep connection with them despite their higher status.

What role does humor play in Aníbal's interactions with his colleagues?

Humor plays a central role in Aníbal’s interactions, serving as a coping mechanism and a way to bond with his colleagues. He uses humor to downplay the mundane and challenging aspects of his work, and his playful teasing creates a sense of camaraderie among his colleagues, though it also reveals the complexity of his relationships with them.

What is the significance of the recurring mention of Aníbal's father in the story?

The recurring mention of Aníbal's father serves to highlight the values Aníbal holds dear, particularly the importance of humility and dedication to work. His father’s lessons shape his approach to life and work, suggesting that Aníbal finds comfort and strength in tradition, even as he navigates his unremarkable position in the ministry.

How does the ending of the story reflect the theme of disillusionment?

The ending of the story, where Aníbal finds himself alone in the basement after the celebration, reflects a sense of disillusionment. Despite the brief moments of recognition and camaraderie, Aníbal is ultimately left with the reality of his job's insignificance, symbolized by the messy, neglected basement and the solitary act of cleaning up. This mirrors his internal struggle between pride in his service and the harsh reality of his unremarkable position.