Male-female interrelationships in Julio Cortazar's Rayuela

Includes bibliographical references (pages [37]-38)In Julio Cortazar's novel Rayuela, the protagonist, Horacio Oliveira, searches for truth. He seeks to find this truth by trying to reach what he calls "the other side." The other side can be thought of as that which is different from one's self. Since Oliveira is a very rational, logical, analytical character, his other side would be more irrational, instinctive, and intuitive. The first set of characteristics can be thought of as traditionally masculine qualities, and the second set may be considered to be traditionally feminine traits. This by no means limits either set of qualities to males or to females; rather, "masculine" and "feminine" sides of the personality may be present in anyone. Oliveira, through his relationships with La Maga, Emmanuele, and Talita, attempts to leave behind his masculine side and move toward a more feminine position.M.A. (Master of Arts