House Taken Over (“Casa Tomada“) by the renowned Argentine writer Julio Cortázar portrays the lives of the two siblings, the protagonist, and Irene, living in their family’s old and spacious house. As the title suggests, the house is gradually taken over by mysterious and unseen forces, leading the siblings to eventually leave their homes. “House Taken Over” is one of his famous short stories, and it showcases his ability to blend the ordinary with the mysterious and uncanny.
House Taken Over | Summary
“House Taken Over” is a short story that revolves around the lives of two siblings, the unnamed protagonist, and his sister, Irene. The story is set in an ancient house, which holds a deep significance for the siblings as it preserves memories of their great-grandparents, grandfather, parents, and their childhoods. The siblings love the house dearly, especially since old houses in the neighborhood are being torn down for their valuable construction materials. They cherish the memories and plan to continue living there until they pass away, passing it on to distant cousins in the future. Irene and the protagonist also seem to have grown used to staying in the house by themselves.
The siblings’ closeness is evident, and it is revealed that they have never married. Irene rejected two suitors without any reason, while the protagonist’s potential engagement ended tragically when his other love interest, Maria Esther, passed away. They now consider their peaceful and united sibling relationship to be the legacy they must uphold, continuing the line established by their grandparents. The house becomes a significant character in the story. It holds not only their history but also represents a sense of security and belonging for Irene and the protagonist. The story beautifully describes their daily routines, such as Irene’s constant knitting and the protagonist’s visits to bookstores in search of new French literature, though little worthwhile has arrived in Argentina since 1939.
However, mysterious events soon unfold, subtly introducing an element of the supernatural. They hear loud noises which grow louder and seem to encroach upon their living space. Alarmed, they decide to lock and barricade the door, isolating themselves to their half of the house. Over time, they adjust to living solely in the section they have preserved, though they mourn the loss of items left behind in the other part of the house. The daily routine continues, and they find contentment in their simple life together. Irene’s knitting, which previously brought her comfort and purpose, now takes on a deeper significance as an activity that cannot be undone or repeated.
One night, when the noises become more pronounced, they decide to flee the house altogether. They leave everything behind, taking only what they have on them. The siblings then decide to lock up the front door securely and discard the key down a sewer grate to prevent anyone from entering the house. The story concludes with the siblings leaving their cherished home behind, uncertain of the nature of the unseen intruders. “House Taken Over” leaves the mystery unresolved, leaving readers to ponder the enigmatic presence that forced the siblings to abandon their ancestral house.
House Taken Over | Analysis
One of the story’s notable strengths lies in its open-mindedness. Cortázar skillfully introduces an eerie atmosphere and unexplained noises, making readers question the nature of the unseen intruders. By leaving the mystery unresolved, the author invites readers to engage with their interpretations and theories, creating a lingering sense of unease long after finishing the story. The house itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the narrative. It represents both the family’s history and a sanctuary that encapsulates their memories. As the unknown forces begin to take over the house, it becomes a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitable change that life brings, forcing the characters to confront the impermanence of their cherished past.
The repetitive routines of the siblings’ daily lives contrast with the uncertainty of the noises they hear. Irene’s knitting serves as a metaphor for life itself. It represents the act of creating something tangible and meaningful, akin to how one weaves the fabric of their existence. The process of knitting and unraveling also mirrors life’s complexities, as some choices may seem futile and require redoing, much like a knitted garment.
Cortázar was associated with the literary movement of surrealism, and “House Taken Over” showcases his talent for blending the mundane with the mysterious. The subtle supernatural elements leave readers questioning the boundaries between reality and the surreal, adding an unsettling dimension to the story.
The story subtly comments on the passage of time and the changes in society. The decline of old houses due to urban development and the loss of literary significance, symbolized by the lack of new French literature, reflect broader societal shifts. Cortázar skillfully weaves these commentaries into the narrative, making the story both personal and socially relevant.
Cortázar masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue throughout the story. The gradual increase in mysterious noises, coupled with the unexplained presence of intruders, keeps readers on edge and engrossed in the narrative. The uncertainty surrounding the nature of the unseen forces adds to the story’s enigmatic allure.
The story’s ambiguous ending contributes to its enduring appeal. Cortázar deliberately leaves the mystery of the intruders unresolved, allowing readers to interpret the story in various ways. This invites readers to engage actively with the narrative and encourages contemplation about the unknown forces that influence human lives.
House Taken Over | Themes
Loss and desertion are represented by the dissolution of the other half of the home and the arrival of unknown powers. The narrative delves into the feelings and doubts that come when one is forced to leave familiar and significant areas behind.
The siblings’ decision to sequester themselves in their section of the house, along with the incursion of unknown forces, creates a sense of isolation and unease. The narrative delves into the dread of the unknown as well as the vulnerability that comes with unexpected changes. The home represents tradition and family history. The decision of the siblings to remain in the house and carry on their familial line emphasizes the significance of maintaining tradition and legacy.
House Taken Over | Character Sketch
Irene’s dedication to her brother and their shared life is evident throughout the story. She chooses to remain unmarried and live with the protagonist in their ancestral house, showing contentment in their simple, routine-filled existence. Her commitment to this lifestyle highlights her loyalty to family traditions and values. When faced with mysterious intrusions, Irene exhibits resilience and adaptability. She accepts the loss of part of the house and the unknown presence without panicking or becoming overly distressed. Instead, she focuses on continuing her knitting, symbolizing her ability to carry on despite the uncertainties. Her composed demeanor contrasts with the protagonist’s occasional fear and anxiety, creating a balance in their reactions to the unexplained phenomena.
Irene’s character leaves much to the reader’s imagination. While the protagonist’s perspective provides insight into their relationship and routines, Irene’s inner thoughts and emotions remain largely unknown, adding to her mysterious allure. Irene’s close relationship with her brother is a crucial aspect of her character. Their unbreakable bond is the foundation of the story, and it defines their shared choices and actions. Irene’s dedication to her brother contributes to the story’s themes of family, loyalty, and interconnectedness.
Though Irene’s emotions are not explicitly stated, there are subtle hints of emotional depth beneath her calm exterior. Her dedication to her knitting and her potential emotional attachment to objects like the shawls and slippers suggest a sentimental aspect to her character.
The protagonist of “House Taken Over” remains unnamed throughout the story, which adds to the sense of universality and allows readers to project themselves onto the character. The protagonist exhibits a strong sense of nostalgia and sentimentality toward the family’s history and the old house. He holds on to the memories of their ancestors and the entire lineage tied to the house, cherishing the traditions of the past.
When the strange noises begin, the protagonist exhibits curiosity and fear in equal measure. He investigates the sounds to understand their origin, but as the intrusions escalate, he becomes increasingly fearful of the unknown. When faced with unexplained noises and potential danger, the protagonist takes decisive action to protect himself and Irene. He locks and barricades the door, and when the noises persist, he makes the difficult decision to leave the house entirely to ensure their safety.
The protagonist is open-minded and reflective, allowing for multiple interpretations of the mysterious events in the story. He contemplates the implications of the intruders and the significance of their actions without jumping to conclusions, leaving room for readers to form their interpretations.
House Taken Over | Literary Devices
The house serves as a powerful symbol in the story, representing family history, tradition, and identity. The knitting also symbolizes life’s creative process and the inevitability of change. The mysterious noises and unseen forces can be interpreted as symbols of the unknown and the uncanny, reflecting the characters’ fears and uncertainties.
The story utilizes foreshadowing to hint at the impending events. The initial reference to old houses being taken down and the loss of French literature in Argentina foreshadows the eventual loss and intrusion faced by the protagonist and Irene in their own home.
The narrative is rich in vivid imagery, creating a detailed and evocative portrayal of the house, the characters’ daily routines, and the eerie events that unfold. The imagery of the knitting, the house’s architecture, and the sounds of the intruders contribute to the story’s atmospheric quality.
The story employs repetition in describing the siblings’ daily routines, emphasizing the monotony of their lives, and contrasting it with the sudden disruption caused by the intrusions.The story’s open-ended ending serves as a literary device, leaving readers with unanswered questions and allowing for multiple interpretations. This technique invites readers to engage actively with the narrative and ponder its deeper meanings.
Casa Tomada indirectly alludes to the broader societal changes and urban development happening around the characters through references to old houses being taken down in the neighborhood.
Various symbolic elements and literary devices have been used in the narrative giving it a depth that is a common element of Julio Cortázar’s writing. House Taken Over leaves the reader with an ominous feeling pushing them to question themselves about existence, shared bonds, and familiar spaces.
