Final answer:
Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" uses mirror images and reflections to depict psychological and physical decay, whereas Cortázar's "House Taken Over" relies on subtle suspense from an unknown threat. The former is laden with symbolism and dark romanticism, while the latter may be seen as an allegory for societal change.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edgar Allan Poe's "The Fall of the House of Usher" and Julio Cortázar's "House Taken Over" are two stories that explore themes of dread, decay, and the supernatural, yet they do so in distinct ways. Poe's work delves into the psychological deterioration of Roderick Usher and the physical crumbling of his ancestral home, using mirror images and reflections to symbolize the protagonist's internal and external disintegration. The narrative's atmosphere is steeped in a relentless fatalism, suggesting that the characters and the house itself are bound to a grim fate, mirroring the ultimate doom of humanity. In contrast, Cortázar's "House Taken Over" presents a more subtle form of suspense and mystery, as the characters are inexplicably forced to abandon sections of their home to an unseen presence. The tension arises from the unknown rather than the grotesque torment evident in Poe's universe.
While both stories share an eerie tone and a house as a central figure, their approach to the subject matter and their underlying messages are remarkably different. Poe's story is heavy with symbolism and dark romanticism, reflecting a world stripped of hope and happiness, and casting a critical gaze toward the human condition. On the other hand, Cortázar's story could be interpreted as an allegory for societal and personal boundaries or the loss of the familiar, showcasing a different genre-scope and storytelling method.