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Questions and Answers
Who is Julio Cortazar?
Who is Julio Cortazar?
An Argentine novelist, short story writer, and essayist.
What does the narrator like to do?
What does the narrator like to do?
Read French literature and go grocery shopping.
Who is Irene?
Who is Irene?
A woman who lives alone with her brother in the family mansion.
What is IT in the story?
What is IT in the story?
What is the setting of 'House Taken Over'?
What is the setting of 'House Taken Over'?
We liked the _______________ because, apart from being old and spacious...
We liked the _______________ because, apart from being old and spacious...
In 1946, when 'House Taken Over' was written by _____________, he lived in South America.
In 1946, when 'House Taken Over' was written by _____________, he lived in South America.
In 1946, when 'House Taken Over' was written, the author lived in ______________.
In 1946, when 'House Taken Over' was written, the author lived in ______________.
We lunched at noon precisely; then there was nothing to do but a few dirty plates. It was pleasant to take lunch and commune with the great silent __________.
We lunched at noon precisely; then there was nothing to do but a few dirty plates. It was pleasant to take lunch and commune with the great silent __________.
__________ turned down two suitors for no particular reason, and Marie Esther went and died on me before we could manage to get engaged.
__________ turned down two suitors for no particular reason, and Marie Esther went and died on me before we could manage to get engaged.
Marie Esther went and died on _____________ before we could manage to get engaged.
Marie Esther went and died on _____________ before we could manage to get engaged.
We were easing into our forties with the unvoiced concept that the quiet, simple marriage of brother and sister was the indispensable end to a line established in this house by our ___________________.
We were easing into our forties with the unvoiced concept that the quiet, simple marriage of brother and sister was the indispensable end to a line established in this house by our ___________________.
We would die here someday, distant ____________________ would inherit the place, have it torn down, sell the bricks and get rich on the building plot.
We would die here someday, distant ____________________ would inherit the place, have it torn down, sell the bricks and get rich on the building plot.
Incredible how much dust collected on the furniture beyond the oak door in the ________________.
Incredible how much dust collected on the furniture beyond the oak door in the ________________.
I'll always have a clear memory of ______________ because it happened so simply and without fuss.
I'll always have a clear memory of ______________ because it happened so simply and without fuss.
One day ___________ found that the drawer at the bottom, replete with mothballs, was filled with shawls, white, green, lilac.
One day ___________ found that the drawer at the bottom, replete with mothballs, was filled with shawls, white, green, lilac.
The first days were painful, since we'd both left so many things in the part of the house that had been taken over. ___________ missed the briar pipe.
The first days were painful, since we'd both left so many things in the part of the house that had been taken over. ___________ missed the briar pipe.
How not to remember the layout of that __________.
How not to remember the layout of that __________.
It wouldn't do to have some poor devil decide to go and rob the __________.
It wouldn't do to have some poor devil decide to go and rob the __________.
Which character had a habit of talking while asleep?
Which character had a habit of talking while asleep?
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Study Notes
Julio Cortazar
- Argentine novelist, short story writer, and essayist known for his significant impact on Spanish-speaking literature in America and Europe.
- One of the founders of the Latin American Boom, a literary movement in the 20th century.
- Notable for his criticism of conservative governments during and after WWII.
Narrator
- Male character living in a family mansion with his sister, Irene.
- Enjoys reading French literature and grocery shopping.
- The narrator experiences the gradual takeover of their home by an enigmatic force known as "IT."
Irene
- Sister of the narrator, also residing in the family mansion.
- Engages in activities like knitting and cleaning and listens to her brother's insights.
- Her decisions and actions are often guided by her brother's discoveries and circumstances.
IT
- Represents a mysterious presence characterized by a quiet buzzing sound that intensifies as it spreads through the house.
- Ambiguously depicted either as a supernatural entity or a manifestation of psychological distress.
Buenos Aires
- The story is set in this capital city of Argentina, which serves as the cultural, political, and economic hub of the country.
The House
- Described as spacious and old, large enough to accommodate multiple persons without feeling cramped.
- Holds sentimental value as it embodies the legacy of the narrator's grandparents and carries personal memories and history.
Themes
- Isolation and the concept of home become central as the characters confront their displacement caused by the invading "IT."
- Relationships between siblings are highlighted, showcasing support, shared experiences, and individual roles within their secluded environment.
- The gradual loss of control and the ambiance of threat within familiar spaces underscore psychological tension.
Story Events
- Initial experiences in the house (routine and comfort) become disrupted as "IT" begins to overtly affect their lives.
- The siblings eventually face the need to adapt their living arrangements as parts of their home are incessantly taken over.
- The narrative captures their internal struggles regarding loss, memory, and the future of their home.
Symbolism
- The house itself represents both safety and confinement, reflecting emotional states and the power dynamics between the characters and the mysterious "IT."
- Knitting and household tasks symbolize control and lack thereof, showing how mundane activities contrast with the growing uncertainty they face.
Character Dynamics
- The narrator often reflects on their shared life and past, illustrating nostalgia for lost moments of peace and togetherness.
- Irene's dependence on the narrator for guidance is portrayed, revealing a codependent relationship formed out of necessity amidst external disturbances.
Resolution
- The climax hinges on a moment of crisis that forces the characters to confront the reality of their situation, ultimately leading them to make drastic decisions about their future in the house.
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