Alison Post 6

Looking back on this incredibly fun and interesting course and on the roster of Murakami's works that we read, many things stand out to me. However, one aspect of his works that stands out to me as being especially unique to Murakami is his emphasis on loneliness and isolation. Murakami also tackles many other important themes, such as reality or identity, but I have never encountered an author for whom loneliness was such an integral part of so much of his catalogue. His writings are full of protagonists who do not seem to define themselves in relation to others, who get by for the most part on their own, yet for whom companionship is still important. Boku of Norwegian Wood spends many of his days alone throughout the story and lives by himself eventually in his little house, yet, for example, eagerly anticipated the days upon which he would meet with Naoko, visit her near Kyoto, or receive a letter. Colorless Tsukuru's whole plot revolves around an individual who finds himself shunned by his friends. This focus is in short stories as well, like with the woman who suddenly loses the ability to sleep and discovers happiness in life reading and having time to herself. Of course, one cannot forget Tony Takitani who lives life contently alone until he meets his wife, then goes to pieces once she is dead and he is alone again. Murakami does engage with many themes, but this one of loneliness and isolation seems particular to him. Humans frequently define themselves in relation to others, so a focus on individuals who in some way appear to exist outside of this seems interesting, and may even be a way to probe human nature and identity. For me, at least for now, Murakami is who I will turn to when I want to experience his wild worlds but also to experience the realities, whether good or bad, of loneliness and isolation.