Is "Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote" a short story or an essay?

Explain the difference between the interpretations of Cervantes' version and Menard's version of the passage from Don Quoxote. How does the passage of time affect the meaning of words?

Of what significance is knowing whether or not Pierre Menard is a fictional character?

What purpose does the catalogue of Menard's works serve?

The phrase "merely astonishing" is an oxymoron. Find another oxymoron in the story. How does it contribute to the story's meaning?