Investigate some of the myths, legends, stones, novels, and films in which humans turn into animals. Have people in real life ever claimed this has happened to them? Are there nonfiction accounts of this phenomenon' What features do these works have in common with "Axolotl" ?

Research the government of Argentina during the 1950s as led by Juan Peron How did it treat artists and writers? From Cortazar's story, can you conclude what his political opinions may have been?

What is magic realism9 Could "Axolotl" be labeled magic realism ? Explain why or why not. Also, some writers object to the term magic realism; why do you think this is?