The Postmodern Perspectives of Alienation in Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood

Abstract

Haruki Murakami’s uncanny narratives generally acknowledge the immeasurable. They are concerned with the desolate situation experienced by the individuals. Murakami makes the reader grasps into a pristine world of loneliness and existential crisis by infusing the idea of mystery, magic and Japanese mythology.  Worth saying, Norwegian Wood is a burning example bearing the testimony of postmodern alienation. In this context, this paper attempts at critically analysing the novel not only as a nostalgic story of loss and burgeoning sexuality, but also as a reflection on the theme of loneliness in destitute psychology of the characters which leads to identity crisis. The portrayal of loneliness is depicted through the life of Toru Watanabe and Naoko. The experience of isolation due to the death of close ones leads to hopelessness and craving for solitude. As a result, the different facets of loneliness i.e. Toru’s intimate loneliness; Midori’s relational loneliness; and collective loneliness are reflected in Naoko’s character. The backdrop of all these characters may differ, but every time, they wind-up alone denoting to the resentful veracity of life that everyone is lonely at the end of the day.  The account of youth’s passionate love of Toru and Naoko leads to loneliness and depression which affects the development of their mental health. Murakami takes hold of an unconnected path and vocalize individual perspective of loneliness and loss fabricating an exceptional world stimulated by his own distinctive form of magic realism. In order to obtain a comprehensive outlook of loneliness, Lars Sevendsen’s A Philosophy of Loneliness has been taken as a reference.