What are the main themes in Cortazar short stories?

One main theme is the blurring of boundaries. Cortazar often blurs the boundaries between reality and illusion, making it difficult for the reader to distinguish between the two. This challenges our perception of what is real.

The main characters are often ordinary people. They could be clerks, students, or just regular individuals living their daily lives. However, they are thrown into extraordinary situations. For instance, in some stories, a simple housewife might suddenly find herself in a parallel universe. These characters are usually introspective, constantly thinking about their situation and trying to make sense of the strange things happening to them.

Definitely 'End of the Game'. It's a complex story that delves into the relationships among a group of children. There's a sense of mystery and a coming - of - age feel to it. And 'Continuity of Parks' is a fascinating short story that blurs the boundaries between the reader's world and the fictional world within the story, making it a very unique reading experience.

Some of his popular short stories include 'Blow - Up'. It's a complex and thought - provoking story that plays with perception and reality. Another well - known one is 'Axolotl' which delves into themes of identity and transformation in a very unique way.

Cortazar's best short stories are often marked by their complex and innovative narrative structures. For example, in 'Blow - Up', he plays with the concept of perception and reality. The stories also typically feature vivid and unique characters, who often find themselves in surreal or unexpected situations.

Another theme is the blurring of reality and illusion. In these stories, the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined become hazy, making the reader question their own perception of the world. For example, in some stories, characters experience events that seem real but may be products of their minds. This creates a sense of mystery and unease. Also, there is a theme of isolation. Many of the characters are somehow cut off from the world around them, whether it's physically or emotionally, and they struggle to connect or find meaning in their isolation.

Julio Cortazar's short stories are known for their unique blend of the real and the surreal. In the 'Best of Julio Cortazar Short Stories', you can expect to encounter stories that play with time, perception, and identity. His writing style is often complex and rich, drawing readers into strange and thought - provoking worlds. For example, in some of his stories, he might start with an ordinary situation like a person waiting at a bus stop, but then gradually introduce elements that make the reader question the nature of reality around them.

One possible theme could be the relationship between humans and animals. Cortazar often plays with the boundaries between different forms of life.

I'm not entirely sure as I haven't read the specific 'End of the World' short story by Cortazar recently. But typically, Cortazar's characters are complex individuals. They could be ordinary people thrust into extraordinary situations at the end of the world. Maybe a loner who has to face the chaos alone or a family trying to stick together.

The unique narrative style of Cortazar is a major feature. He may use non - linear storytelling which can add to the confusion and chaos associated with the end of the world concept in the story. This makes the readers constantly re - evaluate what they know and expect.