Exploring the Endings of Murakami's Norwegian Wood: An SEO-Optimized Analysis

Introduction

Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood is a profoundly moving novel, but like any work of art, it leaves room for interpretation. As a reader, my interpretation of the ending is deeply personal and emotional, reflecting on the characters' lives and the novel's pervasive themes of loss, love, and nostalgia. This article delves into my thoughts on the closing chapters and offers a different perspective on the unfolding narrative.

Personal Reflections on Norwegian Wood

I recently finished reading Norwegian Wood, and while I adored some characters, such as Midori, I found myself largely disliking the main protagonist, Toru. His treatment of Midori, particularly the way he seemingly ignored her for extended periods, left a lasting impact. Additionally, my heart ached for Naoko, who never fully embraced Toru, despite her evident fondness for him. Even her decision to sleep with Reiko, when Toru's feelings should have taken precedence, further saddened me.

However, my admiration for the book is not solely based on Norwegian Wood 's shortcomings. Its exploration of mental health, memory, and the passage of time is nothing short of a masterpiece. The open ending, while frustrating, invites readers to ponder the characters' lives beyond the confines of the story.

Ending Interpretation

From a literary perspective, Murakami's choice to end Norwegian Wood leaves a lot of questions unanswered, which can be both exhilarating and unsettling. My interpretation is that Toru, who begins writing, is in his mid-30s. His writing reflects on youthful experiences and the profound impact they had on his life. He writes in the opening paragraph, 'I was 37 then. He was in Germany and was doing okay until Norwegian Wood started playing. He was suddenly hit with the nostalgic pain and was unable to cope up with all the feelings that were rushing back to him. So he sits down to write the book as a way to come to terms with these emotions.'

In the present scenario, Toru is not 37, but closer to that age, reflecting on the past and writing about the events that led to the book's creation. The ending of the book with Toru at the platform, exchanging a final goodbye with Reiko, mirrors a pivotal moment from his younger days. Toru then continues to describe the subsequent events, which include his phone call to Midori from Germany.

My interpretation is that Toru did not reach out to Midori in the intervening years, leading to her confusion and hurt. The realization that Toru has not told Midori about his existence for several years hits him hard, emphasizing the contrast between his current age and the time they last spoke. Midori's questioning of his current location and the realization that time has passed profoundly impact Toru, highlighting his stagnation and inability to move forward.

Conclusion

Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood is a work of profound emotional depth that invites different interpretations. While my personal thoughts on the characters are mixed, particularly regarding Toru, the book remains a testament to the complexity of human emotions and the lasting impact of lost opportunities. Through the lens of memory and regret, Murakami creates a narrative that resonates with readers long after finishing the novel.

Keywords: Norwegian Wood, Haruki Murakami, Ending Interpretation