Symbols
What does the "massive" oak door symbolize?
The degree to which the narrator and Irene are trying to avoid "it." They put up a substantial barrier.
Some obscure, distant cousin.
When he talks of their daily lives, what is the narrator's tone?
Calm and accepting of their situation.
What did the narrator like to read?
French l"it"erature
What happened to old homes, like the narrator and Irene's, during this time period?
Many were taken down and used for their materials.
Irene's knitting symbolizes what?
Irene's knitting symbolizes her avoidance of reality as well as her obsession. Later on, it is also indicative of her desire for some control in a clearly changing life.
What does the narrator's description of Irene's suitors suggest about her?
She does not look for outside connections. Rather, she is dependent upon her brother.
In his sleep, the narrator "flailed about erroneously and shook the blankets off." What does this indicate about the way in which the evening hours impacted him in contrast to the waking hours?
At night he could not keep himself occupied the way he did during the day. This shows that at night, while sleeping, his true emotions and feelings come out.
What did Irene knit?
Necess"it"ies (could include specific examples)
How does the description of noises with, "a chair knocked over" or "the muffled buzzing of conversation," affect the mood of the scene?
They create an unsettled, uneasy feeling, as there is no indication of what is causing the chair to be knocked over or what is creating the muffled buzzing.
What do things like the "pianos," marble tops, and large house symbolize?
They are symbols of the siblings wealth and status. Such wealth and status indicates that they have the ability to live passively and not have to engage with the real world.
What does Irene do once she is outside of the house? Why do you think she does this?
She cries (at least the narrator thinks she was crying). She cries for the loss of the house, for the loss of their lives as they knew them.
The narrator states, "We were fine, and little by little we stopped thinking. You can live without thinking." What does this mean, and why is it important?
It means that one can exist, one can be in this world without really thinking about it or engaging with it. This is representative of the characters as they do not have full, fruitful lives. They simply go along in a routine, prescriptive way.
In what city did the narrator and Irene live?
Buenos Aires, Argentina
How did the Irene and her brother "earn" a living?
They had money coming in from the farms, so much so that is was "piling up."
What does the "stamp collection" symbolize?
It symbolizes a way in which the narrator occupies his time (a distraction) but it also shows his connection to his family history / the past.
What does the narrator do for Irene when he goes into town? What does this show of their relationship?
He picks out the wool for her for her knitting, as she trusts his "taste." This shows an element of care on his part, as in taking care of his sister.
How does the narrator's tone shape the reader's understanding of him, his sister, and their futures?
They see their lives as already settled and monotonous. Their futures, whatever they may be, will be dying in the house or seeing it torn down. They are tied to each other and the house.
What item did the narrator remember that Irene was knitting that he liked?
"It" was a gray vest
What does the imagery of the dust highlight regarding the maintenance of the house?
The dust always returns, showing their efforts to get rid of it seem pointless.
What does "It" (or "them") symbolize? (Should indicate more than one thing).
The "It" (or "them") can have multiple meanings. In one sense, "It" symbolizes the fears that people try to avoid and refuse to deal with.
In another sense, "It" can symbolize the "unknown" and what is to come.
Why do you think the narrator "took Irene's arm and forced to run"? What does this show?
He knew "It" was taking over, so the fact that he "forced" her out of the house shows the urgency of the moment. It also shows his care for Irene, as in taking care of her and making sure she is safe.
In the end of the story, the narrator locks the door and throws the key into the drain. What do these acts suggest?
It suggests their acceptance of the loss, a complete surrender and permanent abandonment of the house, ensuring no one could ever reclaim it from the mysterious forces that drove them out.
What is the name of the street where the narrator and Irene live?
Rodriguez Pena
Explain how Cortazar develops the following theme: When fears are not addressed, they can take over and be all consuming.