The House Taken Over: a Metaphor for Personal Transformation

A literary work often acts as a reflection of the socio-cultural context in which it is written. Julio Cortázar’s short story “The House Taken Over” is a prime example of literature that uses metaphor to reflect upon cultural, social, and personal transformation. The narrative explores the theme of transformation, both internal and external, and features a house as a catalyst for this transformation. By using the house as a metaphor, Cortázar highlights the complexities of personal transformation and the different ways individuals handle change.

The story, set in Buenos Aires in the 1940s, follows a brother and sister, who live in their ancestral home, which they refer to as “our house” throughout the narrative. The siblings are routine and predictable in their lives. They seldom leave the house and are unresponsive to the changes happening in the outside world. One night, the brother hears strange sounds from a portion of the house that was locked away from their use. The noises soon become an overwhelming presence, and the siblings realize that something mysterious is taking over their home.

Cortázar’s use of the house as a metaphor for personal transformation highlights how change can be both positive and negative. Initially, the house is a symbol of the individual's place in the world. It serves to provide security, comfort, and familiarity, which are essential for mental well-being. However, the change coming over the house leads the siblings to question these assumptions. They are forced to confront the hidden and strange features of their home that they were unaware of. The house’s transformation marks an external shift in their environment that signifies new possibilities, but they are hesitant to embrace these possibilities.

The narrative also demonstrates how individuals can deal with these changes in different ways. The sister in the story fears the unknown and chooses to leave. She is unwilling to accept the transformation and would rather abandon what is familiar than risk losing it altogether. On the other hand, the brother accepts change as an integral part of life. He welcomes the transition and decides to explore the previously locked-away section of the house, which is now the only habitable part of the home.

Cortázar’s approach to the theme of transformation resonates with modern readers. Personal transformation has become an essential aspect of contemporary life. The idea that one can recreate oneself is a driving force behind much of the artistic and cultural production of the modern age. The house in the story is an allusion to the individual's internal world, which undergoes a parallel transformation throughout life. Cortázar's characters show that the process is not always easy, and the change may cause discomfort and pain.

In conclusion, “The House Taken Over” explores the multifaceted nature of personal transformation through the appropriate use of metaphor. The metaphorical use of the house accentuates the complex and diverse ways in which individuals deal with change. The literary piece recognizes the inevitability of personal transformation, a process that can be both daunting and inspiring. The story's timelessness attests to its continued relevance in contemporary times, where personal transformation has gained renewed importance. The house in Julio Cortázar's classic story serves as a reminder that change is only inevitable and can become an opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth.