Contextual Background Quiz

In Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami, one concept that is echoed throughout the

book is obstacles being used to grow. While a common concept within many books, obstacles are

used within Kafka on the Shore to explore concepts of fate as well. Murakami explores this

concept by connecting to other literary works and concepts such as labyrinths, the hero’s journey,

and Arabian Nights.

First, the concept of the labyrinth is used in Kafka on the Shore to show how obstacles

lead to self discovery. The labyrinth originates from a Greek myth where there is a maze with a

minotaur inside, which people must escape. The labyrinth has been connected to themes of self

discovery and overcoming obstacles because of the ability to get lost and find your way out.

Additionally, there are unknown turns in a labyrinth, similar to the obstacles a hero can face in

literature. In Kafka on the Shore, this can be seen when Kafka explores the woods. He follows a

trail into the woods, but when he turns to go back he finds the trail harder to follow. The twists

and turns of the trail in the woods are symbolic of a labyrinth. When he finally returns, Kafka

says, “Now I know exactly how dangerous the forest can be” (Murakami 134). Kafka got lost in

the woods because of his own hubris. The labyrinth in the forest allowed Kafka to learn a

valuable lesson, which is to not underestimate the power of nature. This helps illustrate how

labyrinths as obstacles are used in Kafka on the Shore to initiate character growth.

Second, the hero’s journey is used in Kafka on the Shore to show how obstacles progress

the plot. The hero’s journey is the narrative structure used in many books to show the journey the

main character goes on. The hero’s journey is characterized by a series of obstacles that allow the

hero to overcome them and grow. This is seen in Kafka on the Shore when Kafka doesn’t have a

place to stay. Kafka faces an obstacle when he doesn’t know where to go after he leaves Sakura’s
place. He is able to overcome this obstacle by reaching out to Oshima and asking for help. This

is a period of growth for Kafka because he typically avoids personal connection. This reflects the

hero’s journey, where Kafka has faced an obstacle and has had to overcome his limitations in

order to progress forward. The hero’s journey in Kafka on the Shore illustrates how the narrative

is focused on overcoming obstacles.

Third, obstacles are explored in Kafka on the Shore through intertextual ties to Arabian

Nights. Arabian Nights is the story of a woman who avoids death by telling stories to a king until

he falls asleep. Every night, she faces the obstacle of avoiding death, and must overcome it to

continue. Her overcoming obstacles is allowing her to change her destiny. This is seen in Kafka

on the Shore when Hagita challenges Nakata’s view on opinions. One obstacle Nakata has faced

in his life is not being very smart. His and other people’s perception of him have led him to

believe he isn’t capable of thought. As such, his fate is to be dumb and helpless forever.

However, to progress in the story and travel west, Nakata will have to overcome this obstacle.

Mr. Hagita says, “‘Having your own opinion and not being very bright are two different things’”

(Murakami 189). Mr. Hagita is helping Nakata to realize his own worth and potential, so that

Nakata can grow. In order to change his own destiny, Nakata will have to change himself. The

obstacles characters face in Kafka on the Shore are designed to help them grow, and change their

destiny, just like in Arabian Nights.

In conclusion, Kafka on the Shore employs literary works and concepts to show obstacles

as a way to grow. Murakami uses the symbolism of labyrinths to show how twists and turns on a

journey can lead characters to change their perspective and grow. He also uses the narrative

structure of the hero’s journey to show how obstacles are essential within a narrative for

progress. Finally, he uses intertextual links to Arabian Nights to show how overcoming obstacles
will not only allow characters to grow, but to change their destiny. From the contextual

background of Kafka on the Shore it is clear how vital a role overcoming obstacles plays within

the book. It is essential for character development, narrative progress, and changing destiny.