Summary of Simulacra by Julio Cortázar
The story "Simulacra" is about a strange family that enjoys doing unusual and useless things. It shows the conflict between being different and fitting into society. The story has the theme of the conflict between the need for doing and the ambiguity of doing.
The narrator lives with a large extended family. In the neighborhood, people usually do things to show off or because they feel they must. His family, however, believes in doing useless acts called simulacra. Their actions are not original; most of them are copied from famous examples. Any new idea often turns out to be something old or strange.
The idea of building the gallows unites the whole family. All the members work together to build it. This strange activity creates curiosity and irritation among the neighbors. Some neighbors even think the family is adding extra floors to their house.
The building area is surrounded by iron railings and masonry walls. Neighbors can watch the work but cannot enter. They protest and threaten the family. Some try to stop them while they pull a poplar tree trunk. When the neighbors complain, the police arrive. However, the deputy commissioner decides that the family is working on their own land. He believes the complaints come from jealousy and envy.
After finishing the work, the family sits down for supper on the platform. About a hundred neighbors watch them. The family eats roast suckling pig and drinks Chianti. They do not celebrate loudly or jump on the platform. They sit calmly, the sisters howl, and the uncles walk slowly. The family feels satisfied with their work. The neighbors feel disappointed and slowly leave. The family goes to sleep, dreaming of fiestas, elephants, and silk suits.
Answer these questions.
a. What does the family enjoy doing? How is it different from what others in their country do?
The family enjoys doing unusual and useless activities called simulacra. They do these things just for the sake of doing them, with no practical purpose. In their country, most people do things to show off or out of obligation. Unlike others, the family does not care about praise or usefulness. They enjoy being different and doing things simply for the joy of doing them.
b. Why does the family call their projects ‘simulacra’?
The family calls their projects “simulacra” because they are imitations without real purpose or originality. They admit that their ideas are copied from famous or traditional examples. The family enjoys carrying out these acts without expecting results or benefits. Therefore, their projects exist only for the sake of doing them.
c. How does Cortázar’s use of humour and absurdity in the story affect the way you interpret the family’s projects and their purpose?
Cortázar’s use of humour and absurdity makes the family’s projects entertaining even though they are completely useless. The exaggerated seriousness with which the family plans strange acts turns their behavior into a joyful ritual. This absurd tone helps us see their simulacra as a form of quiet rebellion rather than meaningless work. It shows resistance to a society that values usefulness, status, and practicality. Overall, the humour makes the family seem lovable and suggests that creating for its own sake can be a source of freedom and shared happiness.
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