“Hay ríos metafísicos, ella los nada como esa golondrina está nadando en el aire, girando alucinada en torno al campanario, dejándose caer para levantarse mejor con el impulso. Yo describo y defino y deseo esos ríos, ella los nada. Yo los busco, los encuentro, los miro desde el puente, ella los nada.”
Analysis:
Julio Cortazar's quote delves into the concept of perception and experience. Through the metaphor of swimming in metaphysical rivers, Cortazar contrasts his analytical approach with the free-spirited nature of the swallow. The speaker describes their own process of seeking, finding, and observing these metaphysical rivers, while the swallow effortlessly navigates and enjoys them. This juxtaposition highlights the different ways individuals engage with the world around them - one through analysis and definition, and the other through pure experience and immersion. It serves as a reflection on the limitations of human understanding and the beauty of simply being in the moment.
Modern Relevance
In this quote by Julio Cortazar, the idea of metaphorical rivers and the act of swimming through them can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery and exploration. In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, individuals are constantly navigating through abstract concepts and intangible realms in order to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Just as the protagonist in Cortazar's description seeks out these metaphorical rivers and tries to understand them, people today are also searching for deeper connections, experiences, and truths to enrich their existence. The image of the protagonist observing and describing the rivers from a distance, while the girl swims through them with ease, may also reflect the different ways in which individuals approach and engage with the complexities of modern life.
Julio Cortazar
In this quote from Julio Cortazar, the author uses vivid imagery to describe the concept of metaphysical rivers and the act of swimming in them. The comparison between the narrator's contemplation of the rivers and the character's actual immersion in them highlights the dynamic between observation and experience.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on this quote from Julio Cortázar, consider the following questions:
- How does the metaphor of the river as a "metaphysical" entity compare to the physical act of watching a swallow swimming in the air?
- What do you think Cortázar is trying to convey about the difference between actively seeking understanding and simply experiencing something without analysis?
- In what ways can you relate to the narrator's desire to describe, define, and possess the metaphorical rivers, as opposed to simply allowing oneself to be carried away by them like the swallow?
- How does this quote challenge your perspective on the act of observing and interacting with the world around you?
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