The night face up

Definition

The night face up is a short story by Julio Cortázar that intertwines two distinct narratives: one about a contemporary man who is in a motorcycle accident and finds himself in a hospital, and the other about a Motecan Indian who is captured by Aztecs. This duality creates a dreamlike tension between reality and illusion, highlighting themes of time, identity, and the nature of existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cortázar's story uses the device of a dream within a dream, leading to a blurring of boundaries between reality and dreams.
2. The Motecan Indian's experiences serve as an allegory for the human condition, particularly facing mortality and the concept of fate.
3. As the story progresses, the reader gradually realizes that the contemporary man's reality may actually be the dream while the Aztec world represents his true existence.
4. Cortázar employs vivid imagery and surreal elements to enhance the emotional impact of both narratives.
5. The title 'the night face up' refers to the idea of surrendering to one's fate, suggesting acceptance in the face of inevitable death.

Review Questions

• How does Cortázar use the dual narrative structure in 'the night face up' to explore themes of reality and illusion?
  • Cortázar effectively employs a dual narrative structure by juxtaposing the contemporary man's hospital experience with the Motecan Indian's capture by Aztecs. This technique immerses readers in two seemingly unrelated stories that begin to converge, raising questions about which reality is authentic. The blurred lines between the two plots challenge readers to consider their perceptions of reality and dreams, ultimately suggesting that both may coexist in an ambiguous state.
• In what ways does 'the night face up' reflect aspects of magical realism within Latin American literature?
  • The night face up embodies elements of magical realism through its seamless blend of ordinary and extraordinary experiences. While the contemporary setting appears realistic, Cortázar infuses it with dreamlike qualities that evoke a sense of surrealism. The Motecan Indian's journey into an ancient world filled with ritualistic practices challenges conventional narrative structures, allowing readers to embrace the interplay between magic and reality typical of Latin American literary tradition.
• Discuss how 'the night face up' serves as a commentary on existential themes related to fate and identity.
  • In 'the night face up,' Cortázar crafts an existential commentary through the protagonist's struggle with identity and the acceptance of fate. As both narratives unfold, they highlight the tension between the character's awareness of mortality and his attempts to define himself within each context. The realization that his hospital experience may be an illusion forces him to confront deeper philosophical questions about existence, suggesting that understanding one's identity is often intertwined with embracing one’s fate, even in moments of crisis.

Related terms

Magical Realism: A literary genre where magical elements are a natural part of an otherwise mundane, realistic environment, often found in Latin American literature.

Dual Narrative: A storytelling technique where two parallel plots are presented, allowing readers to explore contrasting themes and perspectives.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, often exploring themes of absurdity and the search for meaning.