key term - "La noche boca arriba" (The Night Face Up)

Definition

La noche boca arriba is a short story by Julio Cortázar that blends reality and dreams in a unique narrative structure. The plot alternates between a modern-day motorcyclist who ends up in a hospital and an Aztec man who is about to be sacrificed. This intertwining of two parallel worlds highlights themes of existence, reality versus illusion, and the nature of time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The story is divided into two distinct but interconnected narratives: one in the present day about a man in a hospital and the other set in ancient Mexico during an Aztec ritual.
2. Cortázar uses vivid imagery to describe both settings, creating an intense atmosphere that immerses the reader in both realities.
3. The phrase 'noche boca arriba' translates to 'night face up', which symbolizes the vulnerability and existential state of being faced with one's fate.
4. The climax occurs when the modern protagonist realizes that his hospital experience is merely a dream and that he is actually the Aztec victim.
5. Cortázar’s work invites readers to question their perceptions of reality, suggesting that what seems real may be just an illusion.

Review Questions

• How does Cortázar use narrative structure to create tension between the two realities in 'La noche boca arriba'?
  • Cortázar masterfully employs a non-linear narrative structure that alternates between the contemporary setting of the hospital and the ancient Aztec world. This back-and-forth creates tension as readers become increasingly invested in both stories. The juxtaposition highlights the stark differences yet also the connections between modern life and historical sacrifices, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation about identity and reality.
• Analyze how the theme of duality is represented in 'La noche boca arriba' and its significance to the overall message of the story.
  • The theme of duality is central to 'La noche boca arriba', with the coexistence of two contrasting realities: one mundane and modern, the other ritualistic and ancient. This duality signifies how human experiences can be interpreted through multiple lenses, questioning what is truly real. The blending of these worlds serves to illustrate how people navigate their identities and fates, suggesting that both realities have profound implications on understanding existence.
• Evaluate the philosophical implications of 'La noche boca arriba' regarding existentialism and the nature of reality as presented by Cortázar.
  • Cortázar's 'La noche boca arriba' poses significant existential questions about reality and perception. By presenting two realities that converge at a critical moment, it challenges readers to reflect on their own experiences of existence. The story raises questions about fate, choice, and whether what we perceive as real can be an illusion or simply another layer of truth. This exploration aligns with existentialist thought, inviting deeper contemplation about life's meaning amidst its inherent absurdities.

Related terms

Magical Realism: A literary style that incorporates fantastical elements into realistic settings, often blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice, often exploring the absurdity and meaning of life.

Metafiction: A form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, often highlighting the artificiality of storytelling.