Unraveling the Duality: 'The Night Face Up' by Julio Cortazar
In Julio Cortazar's thrilling short story, 'The Night Face Up,' reality and dreams intertwine in a chilling tale of an injured motorcyclist. Found in two worlds, one in a hospital bed recovering from an accident, and the other running for his life in an ancient Aztec ritual, the protagonist grapples with the duality of his existence. This captivating narrative keeps you guessing which world is real and which is a product of fevered dreams. Is he a modern man dreaming of a terrifying past, or an Aztec man imagining a futuristic world? The ending, a chilling twist, leaves readers questioning their understanding of reality. Cortazar's writing style, with its vivid imagery and attention to detail, transports you into the worlds he describes, making you feel the fear and confusion of the protagonist. The story also provides a peek into the gruesome Aztec practice of human sacrifice, contrasting it with the sterile environment of a hospital. 'The Night Face Up' is a masterful exploration of perception, reality, and time, showcasing Cortazar's remarkable storytelling prowess.
Question 1
What does Cortazar's writing style in 'The Night Face Up' aim to achieve?
To make readers feel disconnected from the protagonist
To offer a critical perspective on modern society
To transport readers into the worlds he describes
To provide a historical overview of the Aztec civilization
Question 2
What literary element does Cortazar use to keep readers guessing about the protagonist's reality?
Irony
Symbolism
Foreshadowing
Ambiguity
Simile
Question 3
What does the hospital setting symbolize in 'The Night Face Up'?
Freedom
Adventure
Sterility and modernity
Nature
Wealth
Question 4
Which era do the Aztec rituals in 'The Night Face Up' belong to?
Future
Past
Present
Medieval
Industrial Age
Question 5
What is the main theme of 'The Night Face Up'?
Love and loss
Friendship
The duality of existence
The pursuit of wealth
Revenge
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Assign the ReadTheory pretest to determine students' reading levels.
