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In his novel "Kafka on the Shore," Murakami delves into the concept of identity through various unconventional methods. By intertwining themes and intertextuality, the author probes into the true selves of his characters by exploring the relationship between dreams and reality, as well as the notion of destiny and lack of control. Through delving into the inner darkness of his characters' nature, Murakami reveals their unconscious side, impacting their fate and blurring the lines between thought and action, ultimately challenging traditional notions of identity.
Acknowledging dreams as the sole occasion when our human condition permits complete honesty with oneself, this commentary delves into identity in Murakami's work, spotlighting Miss Saeki's and Kafka's intimate moment in chapter 29. The novel juxtaposes dreams and reality, emphasizing their equal importance or even giving dreams precedence, as they reveal the characters' true selves.
His audience deeply experiences this relationship, with the subject initially introduced in a relatable way but progressing to a deeper level as the novel unfolds.
The geographical context of Japan in the novel contributes to the incorporation of magical realism in Murakami's writing.
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Japanese society demonstrates flexibility in cultural and religious aspects, blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, allowing individuals to freely interpret their spirituality.
Religion plays a larger role in Japanese identity than spirituality, shaping their way of life and thinking. This freedom of thought allows for the events in the novel to be believable, as the author blurs the lines between dreams and reality. The inception of this liberal Japanese mindset enables readers to interpret the novel freely, recognizing the absence of absolute truth in the postmodernist movement.
Murakami challenges readers' expectations for concrete answers, leaving them more confused. In a particular scene between Miss Saeki and Kafka, she unconsciously fulfills her desire to be with him, leaving readers unsure of what is actually happening.
The author creates a dream-like atmosphere by using a mesmeric tone and changing the narrative voice to third person. The quote “Before you know it, her dream has wrapped itself around your mind. Gently, warmly, like amniotic fluid” exemplifies this use of third person and the mesmerizing tone that Kafka is enveloped in. The blurring of reality and dreams is evident as Kafka struggles to distinguish between the two, feeling unsure and delicate in his position. Despite knowing his actions are not right, Kafka finds himself unable to resist the influence of the dream that has become intertwined with reality. Miss Saeki's subconscious wish is fulfilled in her sleep, leading her to consciously embrace her desire and repeat the intimate encounter with Kafka in later chapters.
Another significant connection to the theme is Miss Saeki's identity revealed through her unconsciousness, specifically through the spiritual projection of her fifteen-year-old self that Kafka sees at night. It is possible that she projects herself this way during sleep because she longs for her happier past when she was fifteen and wishes to reunite with her lover. This could explain why she presents herself to Kafka, suggesting he may not only be her son but the reincarnation of her lover. The religious context in Japan, where reincarnation is believed by some, allows the reader to make these assumptions. Murakami uses intertextuality to relate events in the novel and clarify his views. He references the tale of Genjy, where Lady Rojuko fulfills her dark unconscious desires through dreams by "becoming a spirit," similar to Miss Saeki's actions.
The crucial connection between both events is that the characters could only fulfill their desires while they were asleep, when they were their true selves. Miss Saeki can only pursue her relationship with Kafka while theoretically sleeping. Similarly, Nakata replaces Kafka and unknowingly carries out the actions he was destined to, like stabbing his own father. This suggests a shared inner darkness in everyone, with dreams serving as a window into our true selves. This exploration of identity, fate, and lack of control is central to Murakami's characters, with destiny playing a significant role throughout the novel. The author hints at the inevitable unfolding of events for his main character from the very beginning.
Destiny, as the author suggests, goes beyond mere uncontrollable force; it is an integral part of one's identity and human condition. Kafka's realization that fate is within him, shaping his desires and actions, is evident in his acceptance of the prophecy to kill his father and sleep with his mother. While he may not consciously carry out this destiny, his innermost thoughts and intentions ultimately drive his actions. This highlights the significance of one's thoughts in influencing their fate, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's true desires.
The characters' karma, as suggested by Shinto religion, may play a role in shaping their destiny, impacting their ability to control their actions and desires. Murakami portrays control as something lacking for the characters, linking it to their destiny and ultimately their identity. This lack of control is exemplified in various instances, such as Kafka's struggle to resist his desire to sleep with unconscious Miss Saeki despite knowing it is wrong. The reader can connect with Kafka's experience of being unable to resist his deepest desires.
Overall, Kafka on the Shore by Murakami delves into complex themes surrounding human life and identity through metaphorical exploration. Despite the depth of these themes, the author presents them in a way that allows readers to grasp and interpret his writing by utilizing resources like intertextuality. Through concepts such as destiny, control, and the contrast between dreams and reality, Murakami offers a unique perspective on identity, suggesting that our thoughts are just as integral to our beings as our actions, if not more so. He emphasizes the significance of dreams as reflections of our minds, revealing our true fears and desires. This may suggest a critique of conventional notions of reality, implying that life should perhaps be more akin to a dream.
Exploring Identity and Destiny in Murakami's Kafka on the Shore. (2017, Jan 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-concept-of-identity-in-the-novel-kafka-on-the-shore-essay
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