The relationship between the Magistrate and the “barbarian” girl in “Waiting for the Barbarians” is not at any point in the novel, a typical relationship. The Magistrate’s guilt for having been involved in a government that has for so long mistrusted and mistreated the “barbarians” manifests itself in his attraction to the “barbarian” girl. The affair begins on his part, as an innocent infatuation with the “barbarian” girl. Throughout the novel, he becomes more …showed first 75 words of 1710 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1710 total…and as a whole person. “Still, my heart continues its affectionate glow towards this girl who so briskly falls asleep in the crook of my arm. There will be another time, and if no! t, I do not think I mind.” (66) Although the Magistrate is not able to fulfill his desire to do good for the “barbarian” people through the girl, he is able to understand that desire and let go of it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**