Different and Similar

The three stories that we read by Julio Cortazar, The Continuity of Parks, Our Demeanor at Wakes, and Axolotl, all showed different levels of magic realism some very subtle and some very obvious to the reader. You would almost think that they are written by different authors all together, which really says a lot about the brilliance of this artist. All three of these pieces seemed to speak to the curious philosopher in me. I enjoy reading and was easily caught off guard by the amazing twist in the ending of The Continuity of Parks. Death is something that we all have to face because we are born, and so must die also. The comedy of hijacking a funeral from pretenders as the family doing the hijacking is also being fake is beyond just funny, a real look at our individual integrity. I could have been the young person in Axolotl because there are so many completely fascinating things to learn about on this planet. It is easy to get absorbed, and even completely consumed by things and creatures that peak our interest.

I admit that it bothers me greatly when people seem dis-genuine with their feelings. The fact that an entire family, several generations, go to a wake with the act of teaching the family a lesson about being hypocrites while being better hypocrites themselves is an amazing notion. It is an enigma within itself. And to top it off, they do it successfully with the style and grace of an "invisible organization but with no loopholes" makes it even more shocking to my moral being. 

Stopping to smell the roses has a deeper meaning with Axolotl. You become aware of the authors increase fascination with the small creatures. He is so enthralled with them that he becomes one. The circular time is done so as to have us wonder in if the author was originally one of these creatures, or did he become one because he was so completely consumed by them. All in moderation is a general term around my house in regards to wants. Anything done in excess, while seemingly ok at the time, could be detrimental to your health. This was driven home for me when I found out that you cold get drunk by drinking too much water and it could kill you. It puts me in the mind of a sin that Christians call gluttony because there is a difference in the scholarly person and the one that knows a lot of really useless facts. 

Entertainment is such a huge business in the United States, but if you are reading a novel from a Best Selling Author, you have a way of getting caught up in it. There all of the bells and whistles that you get from the movies, but in your head. I've consumed several books in my time considerably, quickly due to the storyline.The Continuity of Parks,is similar to a Best Seller. You are the reader reading about one thing you believe only to find out that you are witness to a murder. This is a truly priceless ending. 


Mr. Cortazar's stories needed a little research if you wished to get the full understanding of his theme in each one. They did warrant several readings to make sure I understood them. I was delighted each time that I did read them over because I discovers something I didn't know or hadn't thought about in that particular context. Each of these pieces were well written with considerable thought and planning of a literary genius. I truly enjoyed them, and I know that I will revisit them in the future, not as an assignment, but for fun.