The Search for Identity in Julio Cortázar’s Axolotl

What happens when the boundaries between human identity and nature blur? Julio Cortázar’s Axolotl invites readers into a world where the conscious and unconscious collide, unraveling a tale of obsession and transformation. Through the lens of magical realism, Cortázar explores the human search for identity, using analogies, narrative shifts, and an open-ended conclusion to immerse readers in a profound psychological journey.

This post examines the story’s central themes, Cortázar’s literary techniques, and the universal relevance of its message, highlighting why Axolotl remains a cornerstone of Latin American literature.

Julio Cortázar and Magical Realism

Julio Cortázar, an Argentine author of the 20th century, is renowned for his contributions to magical realism. Born in Belgium in 1914 and later raised in Argentina, Cortázar's works blend the extraordinary with the mundane, creating stories that challenge perceptions and expand the imagination.

In Axolotl, a short story from his collection Final del juego (1956), Cortázar crafts a narrative about a man’s growing obsession with axolotls—small, otherworldly amphibians with golden eyes. What begins as a fascination transforms into a profound journey of self-discovery, blurring the lines between human consciousness and animal existence.

Identity Through Consciousness and Transformation

At its core, Axolotl is an exploration of identity. The narrator becomes so engrossed in the axolotls that he begins to see himself in them, connecting on a deeply emotional and psychological level. This relationship can be interpreted through the lens of John Locke’s philosophy of personal identity, which emphasizes psychological continuity over physical or spiritual attributes (Nimbalkar).

The story mirrors three levels of consciousness:

• Consciousness, represented by the narrator's initial observations of the axolotls.

• Preconsciousness, reflected in his growing obsession and the ease with which thoughts of the axolotls enter his awareness.

• Unconsciousness, embodied by the axolotls themselves, creatures that appear mysterious, silent, and yet profoundly reflective.

The narrator observes, “I began seeing in the axolotls a metamorphosis that did not erase a mysterious humanity. I imagined them conscious, slaves of their bodies, infinitely condemned to an abyssal silence, to a desperate reflection” (Cortázar 5). As his fascination deepens, he begins to merge his identity with theirs: “From the very first moment, I understood that we were linked, that something infinitely lost and distant continued, nonetheless, to unite us” (Cortázar 2).

This interplay between the narrator and the axolotls serves as an analogy for the human search for identity and the layers of consciousness that shape it.

Literary Techniques That Shape the Narrative

Cortázar’s Axolotl employs several key literary techniques that contribute to its complexity and lasting impact:

1. Shifts in Narrative Perspective: The narrative perspective transitions between first-person and third-person, creating ambiguity around the narrator's identity. Initially, the narrator describes the axolotls as “they,” but later shifts to include himself: “They and I knew,” and finally, “or all of us.” This shift blurs the line between the human and the animal, suggesting a complete transformation or fusion of identities.

2. Open-Ended Conclusion: The story ends on an ambiguous note: “And in this final solitude, to which he no longer returns, it comforts me to think that he might write about us, believing he is imagining a story, he will write all of this about the axolotls” (Cortázar 8). This line raises questions: are the narrator and axolotl distinct beings, or are they two facets of the same consciousness? The open ending invites readers to interpret the story through their own lens, adding to its intrigue.

3. Precise Vocabulary and Tone: Cortázar’s use of specific, introspective language enhances the story’s mood of mystery and gravity. The careful selection of words creates a sense of other worldliness and emphasizes the complexity of the narrator’s journey.

A Reader’s Connection to Cortázar’s Themes

One of Cortázar’s strengths as a writer is his ability to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. His stories, including Axolotl, resonate deeply with readers by tackling universal themes like identity, obsession, and transformation.

As a reader, what I find most compelling about Axolotl is its interpretive flexibility. Some see the story as a critique of political alienation, while others view it as an exploration of obsession or self-reflection. For me, it is a meditation on the complexity of the mind and the interplay between conscious and unconscious thought.

Cortázar’s versatility as an author allows him to connect with readers from different walks of life. Whether addressing philosophical questions or weaving tales of magical realism, his works remain timeless and relevant, offering new insights with each reading.

Conclusion

Julio Cortázar’s Axolotl is more than a story of transformation; it is a profound exploration of identity and introspection. Through shifts in perspective, symbolic language, and an ambiguous conclusion, Cortázar challenges readers to reflect on the complexity of the human mind and the layers of consciousness that define us.

By immersing readers in a narrative that is both mysterious and relatable, Axolotl transcends its literary boundaries to become a mirror reflecting our own struggles with identity and understanding. Cortázar reminds us that literature is not only a means of storytelling but also a tool for self-discovery.

Reader Reflection:

How do you interpret the transformation in Axolotl? Is it a tale of obsession, a search for identity, or something even deeper? Share your thoughts below!

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Cortázar, Julio. “Axolotl.” We Love Glenda So Much. Ministry of Education, May 2014, pp. 1-7.

Mejora Mental. “The Power of the Mind and Its Different Types.” Mejora Mental / All About Our Mind, mejoramental.blogspot.com/2021/02/el-poder-de-la-mente-y-sus-diferentes.html.

Nimbalkar, Namita. “John Locke on Personal Identity.” Mens Sana Monographs, vol. 9, no. 1 (2011), pp. 268-75. doi:10.4103/0973-1229.77443.