Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Kafka on the Shore, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Mind vs. The Body
Fate and Prophecy
The Virtues of Self-Sufficiency
Music and Introspection
Summary
Analysis
Since it’s Monday, the Komura Memorial Library is closed, but Hoshino and Nakata return the next morning. Oshima greets them at the door and then they settle down to read. Oshima and Hoshino begin to discuss Beethoven, and Hoshino asks if Oshima believes music has the power to change people. Oshima replies that he believes it can, like falling in love. They agree that such experiences are important to our lives.
As the separate storylines in the book converge, interesting interactions begin to occur between the two sets of characters. Hoshino’s gradually growing appreciation for music and his realization that it has the power to change him reflects Oshima’s long-held appreciation for classical music and its centrality in his life.
Themes
In the afternoon, Nakata and Hoshino join Miss Saeki’s tour of the library. After the brief tour, they settle back in to read, but Nakata suddenly ascends the steps to Miss Saeki’s private office, ignoring Oshima’s protestations. Nakata tells Miss Saeki he wants to talk about the entrance stone. She gives a slight nod, and Oshima and Hoshino leave the pair alone in her office.
Similarly, Nakata and Miss Saeki seem to share an instant connection. They both have knowledge of the entrance stone, a special bond that brings them together. This bond is strengthened by the fact that they have both been misunderstood for much of their lives.
Themes
