Paper Details

Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore is a powerful exploration of the psychological impact of violence and trauma. Throughout the novel, Murakami portrays a range of different forms of violence, including physical, sexual, and psychological violence. These depictions are often graphic and unsettling, highlighting the traumatic impact of violence on both the victims and perpetrators. The use of magical realism adds a surreal dimension to the violence, underlining the ways in which traumatic experiences can distort one's perception of reality. The novel follows two central characters, Kafka Tamura, and Satoru Nakata, as they navigate a world populated by a range of human and supernatural characters. The article explores the profound impact of violence and trauma on the lives of these two characters as their early traumatic experiences have shaped their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and their overall identity. The traumatic acts of violence in the novel have plunged both Nakata and Kafka into a state of emotional and psychological distress, causing them to experience dissociation from their own sense of self and from the society around them. This has led to significant challenges in forming trust, relationships, and connection with others, resulted in a profound impact on their overall mental and emotional well-being, affecting their ability to lead fulfilling lives.

Violence, Trauma, Dissociation, Psychological impact, Memory