Analyze Craft And Structure House Taken Over
Introduction
"House Taken Over" is a short story written by Julio Cortázar. The story was first published in 1946 and has since been included in numerous anthologies and collections. The story is a prime example of Cortázar's skill in crafting narratives that are both eerie and thought-provoking. In this article, we will analyze the craft and structure of "House Taken Over" and explore its themes and motifs.
The Plot
The story takes place in an old mansion, where two siblings live together. The siblings are unnamed, and their ages are not specified. The story is narrated by the sister, who tells the tale in the first person. The mansion is vast and has many rooms, most of which are not in use. The siblings occupy only a small part of the house, where they live a quiet and uneventful life.
One day, strange noises are heard from one of the unused rooms. The siblings investigate but find nothing out of the ordinary. However, the noises persist and grow louder every day. The siblings decide to abandon that part of the house and retreat to their living quarters. But the noises continue to spread, and soon, the siblings are forced to leave the mansion altogether.
The Craft
Cortázar's craft in "House Taken Over" is evident in his use of language, imagery, and symbolism. The story is written in a simple and straightforward style, but the language is rich and evocative. The pacing of the story is slow, but this only adds to the sense of foreboding that permeates the narrative.
The imagery used in the story is also significant. The mansion is portrayed as a living entity, with its own personality and moods. The noises that the siblings hear are described as being organic and alive, with a will of their own. The symbolism used in the story is also thought-provoking. The mansion is a metaphor for the siblings' lives, which are stagnant and uneventful. The noises represent the intrusion of the outside world, which disrupts the siblings' existence.
The Themes
The themes of "House Taken Over" are many and varied. The story can be read as a commentary on aging and the fear of death. The mansion can be seen as a representation of the siblings' mortality, and the noises can be read as a reminder of their eventual demise. The story can also be interpreted as a critique of isolationism and the dangers of living in a bubble. The siblings are cut off from the world, and their retreat from the mansion can be seen as an escape from their self-imposed isolation.
The Motifs
One of the most prominent motifs in "House Taken Over" is the idea of invasion. The noises that the siblings hear can be read as an invasion of their space, but they can also be seen as an invasion of their minds. The story can also be interpreted as a commentary on the political climate of the time. The story was written in the aftermath of World War II, and the idea of invasion was a prevalent theme in literature at the time.
Conclusion
"House Taken Over" is a masterful work of fiction that showcases Cortázar's skill in crafting narratives that are both eerie and thought-provoking. The story's themes and motifs are many and varied, and its language and imagery are rich and evocative. The story is a testament to the power of fiction to explore complex ideas and challenge readers' preconceptions.
