Published Paper Details:

This paper focuses critically on Haruki Murakami's notion of music and memory as central to his fictional narratives. Referring to his much discussed novel Kafka on the Shore, it counts on how he uses music as a vehicle to connect the characters to their past. Firstly, it discusses how music is used as a tool to answer and create questions about the past. It includes a discussion on how typically Murakami blends classical music along with jazz, folk and pop songs to bridge the gap between the present and past of the characters. It also acts as a powerful force for soul-searching. Then, it examines the importance of music in reviving the memories of the major characters in order to form a different perspective and redefine things around the characters along with the being of their existence. Finally, it reflects on how the novelist depicts the characters who are touched by the subtle elements of music from unusual pairing of chords to evocate lyrics with handling of imperfections in performance; sees music as a kind of channel to revelation; helps to preserve and recreate intense emotions from the past; and is treated as an opportunity to better understand the deepest inner workings of the characters.